Recreational Fishing in the US Represents a Major Source of Fish and Protein

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:45:00 +0200

New research reveals that recreational freshwater fishing in the United States captures significantly more fish than previously recorded. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Missouri, and Louisiana State University analyzed over 15,000 surveys from 40 states and found that anglers catch between 2 billion and 6 billion fish annually. Even accounting for catch-and-release practices, the amount of fish kept ranges between 230,000 and 670,000 metric tons, vastly exceeding prior U.N. estimates. The study highlights that recreational fishing, often seen as a leisure activity, contributes meaningfully to national food security, providing households with an accessible source of protein valued at around $3 billion per year. The research also raises ecological concerns, as overfishing and post-release mortality can disrupt freshwater ecosystems. For instance, removing top predators like walleye affects the balance of smaller fish and zooplankton, potentially leading to