An economic evaluation of recreational fishing in Tango Bay, Japan

Although recreational fishing is popular in Japan, few estimates have been made of its economic value to the country. This study aims to (1) evaluate the economic value of recreational fishing in Tango Bay, Kyoto Prefecture using the travel cost method (TCM); and (2) explore the development of related regional economies around Tango Bay. The TCM analysis showed that 150,000 anglers visit Tango Bay annually, and the estimated total annual travel cost and total annual consumer surplus of recreational fishing there are approximately JPY 3.8 billion and JPY 11.7 billion, respectively. The annual commercial fisheries production of Kyoto Prefecture in 2017 was JPY 3.0 billion. Thus, in Tango Bay, coastal fish resources not only have a direct use value as food, but also a large indirect value as targets for recreational fishing. The importance of recreational fishing relative to commercial fishing has increased in Japan similar to in other countries where it is popular. As many people enjoy recreational fishing in Japan, it is expected to have an impact on domestic fish resources. To address this, both commercial and recreational fishing should be included in fish resource management activities aimed at the development of related local economies in Japan.