Alexandria, Virginia – According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the U.S. outdoor recreation economy achieved a historic milestone in 2024, generating a record $1.3 trillion in economic impact. This figure, released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis on March 5, 2026, represents a significant increase from the $1.2 trillion recorded in 2023 and highlights the sector’s robust growth amid evolving American lifestyles.
The new data underscores the vital role that outdoor recreation plays in bolstering local economies and communities across the nation. As reported by ASA, the industry now accounts for 2.4 percent of the total U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), supports 5.2 million jobs annually, and comprises 3.2 percent of national employment. These numbers demonstrate how activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and camping not only provide leisure opportunities but also drive substantial economic activity that surpasses many traditional sectors, including farming, mining, and utilities.
In a briefing hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), ASA President and CEO Glenn Hughes emphasized the enduring appeal of outdoor pursuits. “This new data shows that Americans continue to spend their time and money enjoying the outdoors,” Hughes stated. He further affirmed ORR’s commitment to tackling key challenges, such as supporting conservation efforts and ensuring quality access for enthusiasts nationwide.
Among the conventional outdoor recreation categories, fishing and boating have maintained their position at the top for the twelfth consecutive year. Together, these activities contributed $38.4 billion to the economy in 2024. Leading states in this category include Florida with $4.4 billion, California at $3.3 billion, and Texas contributing $3.0 billion. These figures illustrate the widespread popularity of sportfishing and boating, which remain cornerstones of local tourism, business support, and even funding for conservation initiatives in many regions.
The sustained expansion of the outdoor recreation sector reflects its status as a national priority. For the sportfishing industry, represented by ASA, this growth validates ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at enhancing public access to recreational areas, securing increased funding for habitat protection and resource management, and improving data collection to better inform policy decisions. ASA’s Garrett Briggs, in highlighting the BEA report, noted that these elements are essential for preserving America’s rich outdoor heritage for future generations.
This economic powerhouse status positions outdoor recreation as a resilient force, even as it outpaces other industries in growth. The 5.2 million jobs sustained by the sector provide stable employment in rural and coastal communities, where fishing and boating often serve as economic anchors. For instance, in top-contributing states like Florida, the influx from these activities bolsters marine-related businesses, from tackle shops to charter operations, while indirectly supporting wildlife management through license revenues and excise taxes.
Looking ahead, ASA pledges to champion policies that nurture this momentum. Priorities include streamlining regulations to improve angler access, bolstering federal and state programs for conservation, and advocating for precise economic metrics that capture the full breadth of recreational impacts. As Hughes indicated, collaborative work through organizations like ORR will address pressing issues, ensuring that the $1.3 trillion engine continues to thrive.
The record-breaking data serves as a call to action for policymakers and industry leaders alike. By recognizing fishing and boating’s outsized role—one statistical highlight being their $38.4 billion combined impact—stakeholders can prioritize investments that yield both economic and environmental benefits. A concrete example from the report’s state breakdowns shows Florida’s leadership, where these activities generated $4.4 billion, exemplifying how regional strengths amplify national trends.
In summary, the 2024 outdoor recreation economy’s performance reaffirms its foundational importance to the U.S. economy and culture. ASA’s advocacy will remain focused on sustaining this growth through targeted policy wins that enhance access, fund conservation, and promote data-driven management.
For more information, visit American Sportfishing Association.