Announcing “The Angling Economy”: A Fresh Take on Fisheries Conservation

Cover Photo: The beauty of a redfish tail captured by the Dorsal Outdoors crew.

ASGA is thrilled to announce an exciting new series under The Guide Post Podcast umbrella titled: The Angling Economy. This series dives into the critical connection between economics and fisheries management, offering fresh perspectives on how to value, protect, and advocate for the fish we love. In the debut episode, “Back to School,” ASGA’s President Tony Friedrich welcomes Dr. Ben Meadows, an environmental and natural resource economist with a passion for fishing, conservation, and outdoor storytelling.

Dr. Meadows brings a wealth of expertise to the table, blending his academic background with his love of angling. In the inaugural episode, Meadows explains how economics provides tools to evaluate the trade-offs and opportunity costs involved in managing natural resources. From protecting redfish in Louisiana to advocating for sustainable fisheries in the Atlantic, Dr. Meadows highlights how data and economic analysis can guide informed policy decisions. 

One of the central themes of the episode is scarcity, the fundamental principle that drives economic decision-making. Dr. Meadows explains how scarcity forces trade-offs—balancing the efficient use of resources with equitable access. The discussion transitions seamlessly into the concept of opportunity cost, which Meadows defines as “the value of what we give up to gain something else” – using humorous and practical examples, such as the delicate decision of fishing trips versus family obligations.

The conversation also emphasizes the importance of marginal analysis. Dr. Meadows explains how policymakers weigh the benefits and costs of actions like closing a fishery during spawning season. He underscores the challenge of finding balance in managing fisheries for long-term sustainability while supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on them. His insights are especially relevant for understanding the delicate dance of rebuilding fish stocks, where costs and benefits evolve as populations recover.

The next chapter in The Angling Economy series will focus on how to quantify the value of non-market benefits, like catch-and-release fishing, and address market failures in natural resource management. If you’re passionate about fishing, conservation, or learning how economics shapes the future of our fisheries, this is a series you can’t miss. 

Queue the first episode in your headphones or crank it on your Turtlebox speaker at redfish camp – available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.