Healthy ecosystems make very significant economic contributions, but often in ways that transcend conventional accounting.

Florida ranks as the second highest state (after California) in the number of people participating in wildlife-viewing recreation.  Since 2001, the number of people who visited Florida to view wildlife increased by 50 percent.

In 2006 total retail sales for wildlife viewing in Florida was estimated at $3.1 billion ($2.4 billion by residents and $653.3 milion by nonresidents).  These expenditures support a total economic effect to the Florida economy of $5.248 billion.

Eco-Tourism Economic Reports

2006 Economic Benefits of Wildlife Viewing in Florida

2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife Associated Recreation

2007 Indian River Lagoon Economic Assessment and Analysis Update