When you release a striped bass, how much is that moment worth?

It’s not just a philosophical question. It’s one that Dr. Ben Meadows, a fisheries economist and lifelong angler, is working to answer using real economic tools. In our latest episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we dive into the world of non-market valuation, catch-and-release policy, and why the guy catching bluefish off the rocks and the dad teaching his kid to cast at sunrise are both part of a much bigger economic picture.

💵 Not Every Fish Ends Up on a Plate, But It Still Has Value

Fisheries policy has long centered around commercial harvests. There’s a clear price per pound, a market transaction, a dockside value. But what about all of us who fish for the thrill, the story, the connection to the water?

Dr. Meadows explains how economists are using tools like stated preference surveys and revealed preference modeling to understand the real economic impact of recreational anglers, especially those who release every fish they catch. It turns out that moment of seeing a striper swirl or a redfish tail might not show up in a seafood market, but it still has real, measurable value.

🧠 Monopolies, Property Rights, and a New Way to Manage Fish

One of the most surprising ideas in this episode is that, in theory, a monopoly is actually the best way to manage a fishery. Why? Because a monopolist has every incentive to protect, grow, and harvest the resource sustainably over time.

Of course, we're not suggesting all fisheries should be run by one person. But the logic has major implications for how we design policies that mimic the behavior of a responsible owner. Concepts like property rights, incentives, and access limits come into play and have already made a difference in some Gulf of Mexico reef fisheries.

🎣 Striped Bass: The Perfect Case Study

Striped bass make for a compelling test case. They’re targeted by commercial fleets, recreational meat hunters, and catch-and-release purists. Each group brings value to the table, and each group’s impact needs to be understood if we’re going to manage the fishery fairly and sustainably.

Dr. Meadows shares how his background in both economics and angling helps bridge that gap. He also explains why uniting the different tribes within the fishing community is essential if we want to have a stronger voice in fisheries policy.

“There’s real value in just knowing the fish are out there. Even if you don’t catch one, the possibility keeps people coming back and spending money along the way.”