The large stretch of water being covered extends across 50 square miles over two loughs which attract a high level of leisure activity including fishing, sailing, canoeing and over-the-water flying.

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Nineteen of the dozens of fishing and leisure boats based in Weymouth and Portland have been signed up to act as marshals during the event, giving them three weeks guaranteed work, LOCOG added.

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Leisure pursuits include snorkeling, bird watching, hiking, camping, fishing, sailing and relaxing in a beachfront cabin.

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About 44 million Americans spend time fishing, according to the American Sports Fishing Association, making it the country's No. 1 leisure activity.

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