Abstract
Sport and recreational marine fishery can significantly contribute to the national budget through its economic and social effects. The main aim of this research is to define the economic and social significance of sport and recreational fishing in Croatia through the assessment of the lower limit of its economic value. This is done by analyzing the segments of sport and recreational fishing together with the economic and other activities which are closely related to it. When expressed by the number of stakeholders involved in sport and recreational fisheries and the share in the gross domestic product, it can be concluded that the economic effects of these activities are only slightly lower than in commercial fisheries. This research provides the groundwork for pointing out the basic guidelines of the social significance of sport and recreational marine fishery in Croatia. Hence, it can be noted that sport and recreational fishing in local coastal communities support the overall development of rural areas and the local communities in particular.