My 2c
I'll offer some background from a report I was involved with compiling for the Provincial gov't of PEI a few years ago.
This is from Prince Edward Island, but you can translate it to Alberta with some imagination.
In 2008, the population of PEI was approximately 138,000.
Approximately 6000 resident and 600 non resident licenses were sold on PEI. This generated about $150K, which goes into the provincial gov't general revenue. Peanuts, pays the salaries of 2 & 1/2 conservation officers. There is also a conservation fee of $20 per angler that goes to an NGO for distribution to approved watershed and conservation groups.
The average age of an angler in PEI was 49 for males, 43 for females.
These 6600 anglers spent $4.1 Million on purchases attributable to the recreational fishery. $2.4 Million direct spending on major purchases such as boats, campers, fishing equipment, land, buildings). The remaining $1.7 Million is attributed to fuel, food, lodging, etc. while angling.
Average Disposible income in 2008: PEI - 0.87% (1.12% in Alberta)
Average net worth: PEI - $85.4K (Alberta - $106.6K)
Without getting into proper statistcal calculations, the economic value of the recreational fishery in comparison to PEI in 2008.
$4.1M/6600 anglers equals $136.7M/220000 anglers.
136.7 + 0.25% additional disposible income. (where else are anglers spending extra money) = $137 Million, the add in a guess for the net worth gap.
Then add whatever you may think these things are worth: There are only 2 small manmade lakes on PEI, zero boat sales over a 12 foot aluminum dory. There is also virtually no guide services save for a half dozen part timers in the province.
We're likely giving $200 Million a good scare in this province. To say our fish have no value to the economy is a sad misconception.
Steve