Anthony J. Fedler and Stephen M. Holland, Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, PO Box 118208, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32622-8208

Abstract. This presentation will provide an update of an ongoing project to collect economic and operational information on the charter/party boat fleet in the South Atlantic States. The project compares, updates, and extends findings of previous studies conducted in 1978 and 1988. A representative sample of captains operating from North Carolina to Florida are being interviewed to document fishing activity, quantify business performance, estimate economic impacts, identify problems facing the industry, and examine regulatory impacts on the "for hire" fishing sector.