Do recreational fisheries metrics vary on differently sized fishing grounds?

This study aimed to assess the relationship between basic metrics in recreational fishing and the size of the fishing ground. Data were obtained from individual angling logbooks collected by the Czech Fishing Union over 12 years on 212 fishing grounds located in the regions of Prague and Central Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Small fishing grounds had the highest catch, yield, numbers of fishing visits and numbers of angling guard controls per hectare. Medium‐sized fishing grounds had the highest catch, yield, and numbers of both fishing visits and angling guard controls per fishing ground. Anglers returned to medium‐sized fishing grounds most frequently. The percentage of anglers who caught and took home at least one fish decreased with increasing size of the fishing ground. In conclusion, basic metrics in recreational fishing are related to the size of the fishing ground, which thus plays an important role in fisheries management.     

Catching sharks: recreational saltwater angler behaviours and attitudes regarding shark encounters and conservation

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Typology of landowners in Norwegian salmon angling: attitudes towards river owner organisations and management actions

Abstract Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., recreational fisheries in Norway are facing shorter seasons and harvest restrictions because of low adult migration runs. Private fishing‐right holders (landowners) are important stakeholders, being co‐managers of the stocks, owners of salmon habitat and suppliers of angling. Landowners saw measures addressing salmon farming and Gyrodactylus salaris (Malmberg) as the most important management actions to strengthen stocks and downplayed actions restricting their own activity or gain. The results showed a need to build knowledge and improve communication between landowners and river owner organisations about the effects of stocking, catch and release, and other management actions. Four distinct landowner types were identified, based on their objectives for the fishing right. The diversity in the landowner group suggests managing angling tourism will be challenging, and cooperation is required to manage salmon stocks. Policy instruments to facilitate cooperation are discussed for each landowner type.     

Explaining recreational angling catch rates of Eurasian perch,Perca fluviatilis: the role of natural and fishing‐related environmental factors

Angling catch records are frequently used to reveal fish population developments. It is therefore important to understand the determinants of angling catches. This study focused on angler‐related, biotic and abiotic factors influencing catchability of Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis L. A multi‐lake (21 lakes) study based on angling diaries collected in Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern, Germany (2006/2007), found that angler‐related factors such as fishing experience, species preference and bait/lure type had a large impact on perch catch rates. Additionally, environmental conditions (nutritional status and water transparency) affected either the size or the number of perch caught by anglers. Catch rates varied seasonally, which was confirmed by an experimental fishery on a gravel pit (2008). This portion of the study showed that altered food availabilities in the course of the year caused food limitation in perch, which in turn facilitated high catch rates and female‐biased exploitation in autumn. It is concluded that both angler‐related and abiotic factors interact affecting perch catch rates and size of perch captured in recreational angling.     

Estimation of northern pike population sizes via mark–recapture monitoring

Abstract Estimates of population size are needed in populations targeted by recreational fisheries, to determine their conservational status and to formulate fishing regulations. Mark–recapture monitoring is a promising tool for this because of the increased popularity of catch‐and‐release angling. Northern pike, Esox lucius L., population sizes were estimated in four lakes based on experimental mark–recapture fishing using a hierarchical Bayesian model that also estimated natural mortality. The approach was compared with output from traditional Petersen’s population size estimates. Despite intensive fishing with multiple gears, the population size estimates suggested that a substantial proportion of individuals remained unobserved by fishing. Petersen’s estimates depended on the assumed rate of natural mortality, and no mortality rate scenario matched with the Bayesian estimates. Consequently, the number of individuals caught by recreational anglers is a poor proxy of population size for which estimations should be carried out using a modelling approach that also estimates natural mortality.     

Fish life history,angler behaviour and optimal management of recreational fisheries

To predict recreational‐fishing impacts on freshwater fish species, it is important to understand the interplay between fish populations, anglers and management actions. We use an integrated bioeconomic model to study the importance of fish life‐history type (LHT) for determining (i) vulnerability to over‐exploitation by diverse angler types (generic, consumptive and trophy anglers), who respond dynamically to fishing‐quality changes; (ii) regulations [i.e., minimum‐size limits (MSLs) and licence densities] that maximize the social welfare of angler populations; and (iii) biological and social conditions resulting under such socially optimal regulations. We examine five prototypical freshwater species: European perch (Perca fluviatilis), brown trout (Salmo trutta), pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), pike (Esox lucius) and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). We find that LHT is important for determining the vulnerability of fish populations to overfishing, with pike, pikeperch, and bull trout being more vulnerable than perch and brown trout. Angler type influences the magnitude of fishing impacts, because of differences in fishing practices and angler‐type‐specific effects of LHT on angling effort. Our results indicate that angler types are systematically attracted to particular LHTs. Socially optimal minimum‐size limits generally increase with LHT vulnerability, whereas optimal licence densities are similar across LHTs. Yet, both regulations vary among angler types. Despite this variation, we find that biological sustainability occurs under socially optimal regulations, with one exception. Our results highlight the importance of jointly considering fish diversity, angler diversity and regulations when predicting sustainable management strategies for recreational fisheries. Failure to do so could result in socially suboptimal management and/or fishery collapse.     

Voluntary catch-and-release can generate conflict within the recreational angling community: a qualitative case study of specialised carp, Cyprinus carpio, angling in Germany

Abstract  Because of low fishing mortality that results from catch-and-release angling for carp, Cyprinius carpio L, it is counterintuitive that voluntary catch-and-release (vC&R) of this species induces conflicts within the angling community. Originally motivated by animal welfare concerns, vC&R is today probably as or more strongly criticised within the angling community itself than it is intersectorally. This study reviews the institutional treatment of C&R in Germany and explores within a sociological conflict model the conflicting views surrounding vC&R, specifically in specialised carp angling. It is argued that the intrasectoral (i.e. among angler groups) conflicts around vC&R fishing may divide the recreational angling community, which in turn may weaken the coherence of the entire angling sector. Restricting the opportunity to practice vC&R also can have important social and biological implications, which suggest a rethinking on the current treatment of vC&R recreational angling in Germany.     

Eff icacy of angler catch data as a population and conservation monitoring tool for the f lagship Mahseer f ishes (Tor spp.) of Southern India

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Angler behaviour and implications for management ‐ catch‐and‐release among marine angling tourists in Norway

The role of recreational fisheries in the competition for marine resources is increasingly recognised. Their contribution in stock dynamics needs to be accounted for in assessments and management. Management regulations should be based on scientific advice on human and biological dimensions to be effective in reaching their goals. A survey among marine angling tourists staying in fishing camps in two study areas in Norway was conducted to study catch‐and‐release (C&R) behaviour. Although C&R has been assumed to be low in many marine recreational fisheries, this survey showed that for some species, more than 60% of the catch was released. As C&R may be associated with post‐release mortalities, the current management system could be inefficient towards its aim of reducing fishing mortality. It was concluded that it is necessary to quantify release mortalities, to consider C&R behaviour in future management decisions, and to minimise the potential negative impacts of C&R through handling guidelines.     

An assessment of catches and harvest of recreational shore angling in the north of Portugal

Abstract  Recreational shore angling in the Atlantic Ocean between Moledo and Aveiro (Portugal) was examined using roving creel surveys (March/September 2001). Cooperation was high (90% of 2310 anglers approached). At least 39 species of fish were caught at a rate of approximately 0.5 fish angler h⁻¹. An estimated 7319 kg of Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), with 45.6% below the minimum legal size, and 2040 kg of sea breams (genus Diplodus ), correspond to 5.75% and 1.19% of the commercial landings in the same geographical area, respectively. The results shed light on a number of issues relevant to integrated coastal management, including temporal and spatial distribution of fishing effort, species caught, sizes of fish, catch rates, and factors influencing catches and angler satisfaction. Whilst the results suggest that the catches of sea breams and sea bass by day-time recreational shore angling in northern Portugal are small compared with commercial fishing, other recreational activities, such as boat fishing and spear-fishing, must be assessed.     

From scientific obscurity to conservation priority: Research on angler catch rates is the catalyst for saving the hump‐backed mahseer Tor remadevii from extinction

1. The mahseer (Tor spp.) fishes of South and Southeast Asia are iconic megafaunal species that are highly valued by recreational anglers. Knowledge on their populations is limited owing to the challenges associated with sampling these large‐bodied fishes (>50 kg) in remote monsoonal rivers.
2. Despite its global iconic status among recreational anglers, the hump‐backed mahseer of the Cauvery River (South India) lacked a valid scientific name and was on a trajectory towards extinction until its rapidly declining population status was established by analyses of angler catch records.
3. Angling records from 1998 to 2012 showed that mahseer catch rates had increased in this period. The resulting publication in Aquatic Conservation (AQC) highlighted the positive role of catch‐and‐release angling in providing information on data‐poor species. However, further analyses showed that these catches comprised not one but two distinct phenotypes.
4. Before 1993, all mahseer captured were hump‐backed; since then, a blue‐fin phenotype appeared in catches and subsequently dominated them. These results triggered further studies indicating that the hump‐backed mahseer was the endemic Tor remadevii and that the blue‐fin was the invasive Tor khudree, introduced in 1976 and then stocked periodically from hatcheries.
5. The initial AQC publication successfully demonstrated the high value of organized angling as a monitoring tool for data‐poor fishes and its application to assessing the temporal population patterns of large‐bodied fishes in monsoonal rivers. It was also the catalyst for initiating subsequent studies on T. remadevii that, together, enabled its recent assessment as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In the absence of the AQC paper, and the subsequent studies that it triggered, it is highly probable that the species would have remained on a trajectory towards rapid extinction. Instead, the first major steps to safeguarding its future have been taken.

     

Catch-and-release science and its application to conservation and management of recreational fisheries

Abstract  Catch-and-release angling is a well-established practice in recreational angler behaviour and fisheries management. Accompanying this is a growing body of catch-and-release research that can be applied to reduce injury, mortality and sublethal alterations in behaviour and physiology. Here, the status of catch-and-release research from a symposium on the topic is summarised. Several general themes emerged including the need to: (1) better connect sublethal assessments to population-level processes; (2) enhance understanding of the variation in fish, fishing practices and gear and their role in catch and release; (3) better understand animal welfare issues related to catch and release; (4) increase the exchange of information on fishing-induced stress, injury and mortality between the recreational and commercial fishing sectors; and (5) improve procedures for measuring and understanding the effect of catch-and-release angling. Through design of better catch-and-release studies, strategies could be developed to further minimise stress, injury and mortality arising from catch-and-release angling. These strategies, when integrated with other fish population and fishery characteristics, can be used by anglers and managers to sustain or enhance recreational fishing resources.     

Towards an improved understanding of angler tourism in northern Australia

A human dimensions investigation into tourist anglers in a coastal recreational fishing hotspot in northern Australia is presented. Tourist anglers target one species, javelin grunter, Pomadasys kaakan (Cuvier), raising concerns about the sustainability of the fishery. Data from a survey of 427 tourist angling parties that fished in the coastal water off Karumba (Queensland) were analysed. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on angler target species and motivation for fishing to establish a typology of fishing intentions, with fishing for food found to be the principal factor. Anglers with high fishing for food factor scores were more consumptive, lower spending (per day) and more averse to any potential measures that might reduce legal possession (creel) limits or impose a cost of fishing. It was concluded that a combination of tourism and fisheries management interventions is required to safeguard Karumba's iconic javelin grunter fishery into the future. Diversification of tourist activity options can reduce the tourism industry's current reliance on high‐consumptive tourist anglers and increase the destination's appeal to non‐fishing tourists and low‐consumptive anglers. Modification of angler behaviour can be achieved through reduced possession limits for javelin grunter and possibly other target species, improved monitoring and law enforcement efforts, and targeted education and information.     

Impacts of domestication on angling vulnerability of common carp,Cyprinus carpio: the role of learning,foraging behaviour and food preferences

Domestication in fish selection increases vulnerability to angling. Two common garden‐reared genotypes of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., differing in degree of domestication (highly domesticated mirror carp and less domesticated scaled carp) were exposed to fishing in two environments (i.e. ponds and laboratory tanks) to quantify vulnerability to angling. Foraging behaviour and food preferences were quantified to explain variation in angling vulnerability in a mechanistic manner. Domesticated mirror carp were more vulnerable to angling gear than scaled carp in both environments, which was related to greater food intake and bolder‐foraging behaviour. Independent of genotype, catchability decreased and time until first capture increased over fishing time, indicating learned hook avoidance. No differences were observed in food preferences among genotypes, rendering bait‐selective feeding an unlikely explanation for differential vulnerability to angling. It was concluded that vulnerability to angling has a genetic basis in carp and that boldness plays a paramount role in explaining why more domesticated genotypes are more easily captured by angling.     

The economic value of recreational fisheries in Nordic countries

Recreational fishing, whether free or at cost, has an economic value. This value was measured in five Nordic countries based on a contingent valuation mail survey. Regression models were used to identify demographic characteristics, types of fishing patterns and differences in the countries’ management regimes that can explain both actual fishing expenditure and willingness to pay for the non‐market benefits by persons participating in fishing or enjoying the benefits derived by it. Net benefit, i.e. willingness to pay over and above actual expenditure was highest amongst those fishing. In Denmark, the small number of generalist fishermen get the highest benefit. In Finland results are mixed but sports fishermen benefit on average even more than generalists. Urban sports fishing raises the highest benefit in Iceland while in Norway the benefit is more equally spread, with occasional anglers and women reaping the least. In Sweden the mean benefit is the lowest in the Nordic countries but evenly distributed among categories of fishermen. In the Nordic countries combined, nationality explains willingness to pay as being Norwegian or Finnish increases benefit and being Icelandic reduces it. The non‐use value of recreational fisheries was elicited through posing questions on willingness to pay for the preservation of the existence of current fish stocks and current quality of recreational fishing to persons participating in fishing or enjoying the benefits derived from it. For those not fishing or people in general, the power of the models to explain willingness to pay for the existence of recreational fisheries was very weak. The benefit, i.e. willingness to pay, is higher if somebody in the household fishes. Educated, young, urban, well‐off citizens also put value on the non‐use of the resource.     

Ice fishing reveals size structure but not abundance of Eurasian perch in small boreal lakes

Management of inland recreational fisheries would benefit from stock abundance and size structure data. Feasibly standardised angling methods such as ice fishing could produce representative catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) information on the abundance of different-sized fish in small lakes. Here, we first used standard Nordic multimesh gillnets to obtain number-per-unit-effort (NPUE), biomass-per-unit-effort (BPUE) and size structure data on Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) stocks in 11 small boreal lakes in summer. Second, the same lakes were ice-fished by voluntary anglers using a pre-defined, loosely standardised protocol to obtain angling-based NPUE, BPUE, and length frequency distributions. Effects of environmental variables such as water oxygen concentration and light penetration on angling catch rates were controlled statistically. Neither perch Nordic gillnet NPUE nor BPUE corresponded to ice-fishing CPUEs. However, the length distribution of the catch did not differ between methods. Our results imply that traditional ice fishing applying natural baits is relatively unselective for fish size and could produce valid length-based indicators for management purposes while angling CPUE was poorly related to Nordic gillnet CPUE.     

Worldwide trends in fishing interest indicated by internet search volume

There is a growing body of literature that shows internet search volume on a topic, such as fishing, is a viable measure of salience. Herein, internet search volume for ‘fishing’ and ‘angling’ is used as a measure of public interest in fishing, in particular, recreational fishing. An online tool, Google Insights for Search, which allows one to study internet search terms and their volume since 2004, is used to examine trends in interest in fishing for 50 countries. Trends in normalised fishing search volume, during 2004 through 2011, varied from a 72.6% decrease (Russian Federation) to a 133.7% increase (Hungary). Normalised fishing search volume declined in 40 (80%) of the countries studied. The decline has been relatively large in English‐speaking countries, but also has been large in Central and South American, and European countries. Analyses of search queries provide a low‐cost means of gaining insight into angler interests and, possibly, behaviour in countries around the world.     

Illustrating the critical role of human dimensions research for understanding and managing recreational fisheries within a social‐ecological system framework

Effective management of recreational fishing requires understanding fishers and their actions. These actions constitute critical links between social and ecological systems that result in outcomes that feedback and influence recreational fishers' actions and the management of these actions. Although much research exists on recreational fishers and their actions, this research is often disconnected from management issues. One way to help to overcome this disconnect is to illustrate how past research on the social component of recreational fishing fits within an emerging coupled social‐ecological system (SES) framework. Herein, a conceptual SES is first developed with specific attention to recreational fisheries. This SES is then used to illustrate the importance of considering human dimensions research for articulating, studying and ultimately managing key outcomes of recreational fisheries (e.g. fish population conservation, fisher well‐being) using the example of harvest regulations and a brief review of past interdisciplinary research on recreational fishing. The article ends by identifying key research needs including understanding: how factors such as management rules affect the diversity of actions by recreational fishers; how governance and management approaches adapt to changing social and resource conditions; and how recreational fishers learn and share information.