Impacts of Marine Recreational Fishing on Social and Economic Benefits in a Marine Multiple Use Area, the Marine Estate, New South Wales, Australia

ABSTRACT Economic and social aspects of recreational fishing that have been increasingly studied indicate different motivations and enjoyment among participants. However, economic and social interactions between marine recreational fishers and other users of the marine environment have been less studied. We examined impacts of marine recreational fishing activity on economic and social benefits from a marine multiple use area in the New South Wales Marine Estate. Risk assessments are commonly used to assess risks to ecosystems resulting from commercial activity, but are less commonly used to assess risks of recreational fishing on benefits to all users from marine spaces and ecosystems. A risk assessment framework was used to identify key threats from recreational fishing to economic and social benefits derived from the Marine Estate. Assessment evidence was from the literature, Government management agencies, media and stakeholder reports, and expert opinion. This risk assessment approach to assess social and economic impacts can contribute to management of other marine‐based activities internationally, including recreational fishing and other activities in multiple‐marine use areas.