Economic Recovery of Mississippi Commercial and Recreational Fishing

Results of the damage assessment survey (DAS) conducted after Hurricane Katrina showed massive devastation of the Mississippi (MS) commercial and recreational fishing fleets. Almost one-half of the 1,030 resident commercial fishing boats and vessels operating in MS participated in the DAS. Of the 100 charter boats-for-hire operating in MS, 42 operators participated in the DAS.

The decision to remain or leave the industry - commercial or recreational fishing - was very crucial to these participating boats or vessels. 87% of participating commercial boats or vessels reported damages associated with Hurricane Katrina (HK). •69% of the participating charter boats-for-hire reported damages associated with HK.

An economic recovery model was developed using the survey data after Hurricane Katrina and databases on licenses issued by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR). From these databases, the decision to remain or leave the industry made by the participating boats and vessels was determined.

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