Economic Impacts of Aquatic Vegetation to Angling in Two South Carolina Reservoirs

• Published in: Journal of aquatic plant management 2003-01, Vol.41 (1), p.53-56
• Main Authors: Henderson, JE, Kirk, J P, Lamprecht, S D, Eugene Hayes, W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0146-6623

Angler creel surveys and economic impact models were used to evaluate potential expansion of aquatic vegetation in Lakes Murray and Moultrie, South Carolina. During this study, average trip expenditures ranged from $14.60 to $247.57 depending upon angler category, angling location, and duration of the trip. Boat anglers remaining overnight had the highest trip expenditures. Anglers were asked their angling efforts at current level of aquatic plant coverage, at an intermediate level of coverage, and at former peak levels of coverage. Current coverage at Lake Moultrie is 20 ha and peak levels were 9,090 ha; current coverage at Lake Murray is 790 ha and peak levels were 1,336 ha. Based upon their experiences with aquatic vegetation, all categories of anglers preferred increased aquatic vegetation. Increasing plant coverage from current levels would increase angling effort by 11% to 14% and increase economic activity in selected economic sectors, such as lodging, by 18% to 63%. Expenditure data and economic impact models are an improved way, compared to summarized trip expenditures, to measure economic contributions of angling. Other groups such as pleasure boaters, water skiers, hunters, and homeowners along the lakes should be studied using similar methods. Taken together, such studies incorporate public preferences, perceptions, as well as economic benefits in the local economy and provide justification for aquatic plant management.