How are waterfowl important to Maine?
Fish and wildlife play an important role in the lives of Maine people. Healthy freshwater wetlands are rich in biodiversity, which is integral to Maine 's economy and to the aesthetic, recreational, and ecological values which define a way of life for Maine residents and draw so many visitors to the state.
Maine ranks sixth nationally when comparing the percentage of people who participate in hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife related outdoor recreation (USFWS 2001). However, fish and wildlife provide more than a source of enjoyment and recreation. A University of Maine report (Teisl and Boyle 1998) estimated that fish and wildlife related recreation contributed over one billion dollars in economic output: $342 million in payroll, 17,680 jobs, and $67 million in sales and income tax revenue.
At over a billion dollars annually, hunting, fishing, and wildlife-associated recreation generates over four times the economic output of the ski and snowboard industry (source: Ski Maine Association) in the State and more than three times the combined sales of Maine's potato and blueberry industries (source: Maine Department of Agriculture). Clearly, Maine 's quality of life and its economy are strongly influenced by the diversity and abundance of fish and wildlife that inhabit our state.
A national survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that migratory bird hunters in Maine spent $5.3 million on hunting trips and equipment in 2001; although the sample includes woodcock, snipe, and rail hunters it is clear that waterfowl hunting has considerable economic and social impact in Maine. The same survey found that 36% of Mainers participated in bird watching, and waterfowl were one of the most popular groups of birds to observe. With total wildlife-watching expenditures and economic impacts for Maine in 2001 estimated at $856.5 million (2.3% of the gross state product), it is clear that waterfowl provide Maine with substantial aesthetic and economic non-game value in addition to their traditional value as game species.
