Recreational fishing by local and visiting fishers takes place in many coastal communities in NSW.

This research examines the importance of recreational fishing to the economies of two towns on the New South Wales coast.

The aims of the project stated in the project proposal were to:

• estimate the total expenditure by recreational fishers in communities on the north coast and south coast of NSW;
• increase managers’ understanding of the importance of recreational fishing contribution to local economies in rural coastal NSW; and
• estimate the importance and satisfaction ratings of recreational facilities and services in these areas.