Project: Economic Consequences of Whirling Disease in Montana Stream Fisheries

Primary Investigator: John Duffield
Project Summary: This study, (including Colorado information, but with particular focus on the Missouri and Madison Rivers), analyzed how reduction in trout populations affects angler use, and how reduction in angler expenditures impacts local economies. The basic finding is that the angler response is considerable, although not proportional. For example, a 10% reduction in trout population might cause a 4-6% reduction in angler use. Economic impacts vary with the site. While the Madison is more of a destination fishery, with multi-day visits, guides, and average expenditure of $222, the Missouri draws local, one-day anglers who spend $48 a day. Time-series data on the Madison showed that a 75% reduction of larger rainbow trout from 7 years in the '90s compared to 7 years in the '80s; while angler use has been fairly consistent since the mid-80s.
Funding Period: 1998-1999
Final Report: Duffield_98-99.pdf
Dataset(s) associated with this project:

There are no datasets associated with this project.