WIREDGOV

The importance of the Scottish sea angling sector and its potential for further growth has been revealed today in a report commissioned by the Scottish Government.

The study, the Economic Impact of Recreational Sea Angling in Scotland, has shown the sector to be a strong employer and healthy contributor to the economy.

According to the report, sea angling supports nearly 3,200 full-time jobs and is worth over £140 million to the Scottish economy.

On a visit to Luce Bay in the Solway Firth, highlighted as one of the most important local centres for sea angling, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, said:

"This is yet another example of the vital importance of our marine environment to the sustainable economic growth of Scotland. This groundbreaking report shows that the popular sport of sea angling lands thousands of jobs and tens millions of pounds for Scotland.

"The report has found that sea anglers spend some £140 million annually and that the sector supports household incomes totalling £70 million.

"Our beautiful and diverse coast and seas, as well as our many high quality coastal tourist businesses, offer a tremendous amount to sea anglers. The Scottish Government is very keen to safeguard the sport's success and to investigate how best it may develop in future".

The study contains detailed information on regional expenditure and participation, both by resident and visiting sea anglers.

Luce Bay and Portpatrick, both in the Solway Firth area, have been identified as the most popular sites.

The report was commissioned by the Scottish Government and carried out by Glasgow Caledonian University.