Mariculture is increasing as traditional commercial fisheries production declines (Goldberg and Triplett, 1997). World aquaculture production (freshwater and marine) has doubled since 1984 and reached a record 20,900,000 tonnes in 1995. Total worth exceeded US$36 billion worldwide. In the United States production annually exceeds 400,000 tonnes and a value of $729 million. Recreational fishing in the United States is big business as well, with 35.3 million participants and an economic impact of $37.7 billion (American Sportfishing Association, 1996). Both are industries that make valuable contributions to the US economy. They are especially important to regional economics where they are often concentrated because of favourable conditions. Another factor in common to both industries is their respective growth potential in marine waters. The fastest-growing segment of the Texas recreational fishery, the second largest in the United States, is saltwater fishing. This segment of angling in Texas has seen at least 15% growth over the last 15 years during a period in which total angling participation (as measured by licence sales) has declined over 20%. An expansion of shrimp farms to 1625 acres (660 ha) (Office of Science and Technology Policy, 1997) along the coastal margins of Texas through the 1980s and early 1990s and growing interest in caged aquaculture of estuarine and marine fishes are examples of increased marine focus in that industry. Marine aquaculture enterprises such as shrimp farms, mollusc culture and netpen systems for raising salmon have generated environmental impacts that are of increasing concern to recreational fishing interests. What are the perceived impacts of mariculture on recreational fishing? Why do these perceptions lead to conflicts? What avenues exist to mitigate or resolve such conflicts before they become confrontations? These are the questions explored in this chapter. (C) CAB International 2002.
