Fourteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Sport fishing is considered as one of the biggest industries in America. The Sport Fishing Association (1996) ranked Minnesota number four in the nation for overall economic impact from fresh water fishing in America. The Association reported that fresh-water fishing in Minnesota generated $ 1.9 billion (14% of total national expenditure). There are main three areas of sport fishing in Minnesota which are Ely, Lanesboro, and Two Harbors. For sport fishing recreation improvement in Minnesota, the information regarding the economic value from individual travel cost model and the socio-economic factors will benefit government, local administrative officers, business sector, and the local community. The numbers of visits might not be the appropriate factor alone for government’s decision to improve the site but estimated economic value and socio-economic factors are more efficient. Among three fishing sites, the estimated annual economic value of Lanesboro is the highest with value of 45,433,550 dollars a year. The second highest value is 13,834,367 dollars a year for Ely and 3,859,369 dollars a year comes the last for Two Harbors. Socio-economic characteristics impact on demand of visiting for Lanesboro are more significant compared to other regions with variables of income, age, trout fishing experience, party size, and family size. Ely comes second with statistically significant for family size, trout fishing experience year, and high elasticity of age. Two Harbors comes last with significant of only age and party size.