Wild Atlantic salmon support close to 4,000 jobs in eastern Canada and add $255 million a year to the economy, a study released Monday concludes.
The study by Gardner Pinfold Consulting Economists of Halifax, sponsored by the Atlantic Salmon Federation, also found a lot of support in the region for government spending to aid in the recovery of the species.
The largest economic activity identified in the report was from the recreational fishery, which in 2010 amounted to $128 million.
A survey of Atlantic Canadians and Quebecers by the study authors found they would be willing to see governments spend up to $105 million annually to ensure that wild Atlantic salmon continue to exist and contribute to ecosystem integrity.
Public support for such spending was surprising given that the survey was done during an economic downturn.
"Such strong support for wild Atlantic salmon among non-users, against that dire economic backdrop, adds extra weight to the results, and cements the fact that protecting the species rests solidly among the core values of Canadians," said Gardner Pinfold economist Greg MacAskill.
A news release from the Atlantic Salmon Federation connected to the report noted that despite this public support, federal government funding for programs related to wild Atlantic salmon have declined by nearly 75 per cent since 1985.
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