Thanks for posting this. People should really take a read to get the facts on the value of the recreational fishery. Then start having informed discussions with your local politicians to press home the business case for them to look at ways to build the fishery.
Far too many coastal communities are completely oblivious to the economic activity generated be our fishery. They take us for granted and in fact even take steps to create rules that impact our ability to grow the infrastructure that supports increasing economic activity and investment. Far too many people in these coastal communities who don't clearly see the link between a recreational angler and other activity in their local economy like groceries, gas, lodging, restaurants, lodges, guides etc. Not to mention all the tackle, boats and outboards that support spin off businesses.
What is really needed is an economic forum aimed at helping these coastal communities step outside their current myopic thinking to see the economic potential happening right under their noses! Far too many of these communities instead start thinking of ways they can make it harder for the recreational fishery. Good examples of that narrow thinking is not investing in local boat launches, moorage and discouraging non-local fishers from accessing this infrastructure by creating "local only" business rules.
Classic case of cutting your nose off to spite yourself.
Much more broad economic thinking is necessary to help create the right climate to help further enhance the recreational fishery.