No abstract

Information on shore‐based recreational fishing is essential for the sustainable management of nearshore fish stocks. However, obtaining estimates of catch and effort from such fishing activity can be complex and expensive due to the large spatial scales over which surveys are typically conducted and the fine‐scale temporal resolution that is desired. Complementary surveys are one option for improving the accuracy of estimates. A pilot study was conducted in Perth, Western Australia, from April to June 2010 to test an expanded aerial–roving survey design that incorporated remotely operated cameras. Cameras recorded the distribution of shore‐based fishing activity across a 24‐h day, highlighting an afternoon peak as well as some nighttime activity, which is rarely captured in existing survey designs. This information was combined with instantaneous counts of shore fishers from aerial surveys and trip length data that were obtained from 1,194 incomplete trip interviews conducted during roving creel surveys; the resulting estimate of fishing effort was 213,460 angler‐hours (SE = 18,141; relative SE [RSE] = 8%). Catch rates, which were calculated from roving creel survey data on the numbers of retained fish, were combined with fishing effort to estimate a total retained catch of 355,801 fish (SE = 41,446; RSE = 12%). The Australian herring Arripis georgianus was the dominant species, with a retained catch of 229,779 fish (SE = 39,007; RSE = 17%). In comparison with other on‐site techniques, the incorporation of cameras into an aerial–roving survey design provides a generic, cost‐effective method for measuring the distribution of shore‐based fishing activity across a 24‐h day. Our findings improve the understanding of the exploitation of nearshore fish stocks along the Perth coast. Our method has broad application to many other recreational fisheries around the world, especially where nighttime fishing is popular. Received June 28, 2012; accepted August 24, 2012

1Recreational fishing is often permitted in multiple-use marine parks and, to ensure a 2 balance with biodiversity conservation, sanctuary (no-take) zones are frequently 3 demarcated. However, compliance with such measures is rarely quantified. Aerial and 4 land-based coastal observation surveys were conducted within Ningaloo Marine Park, 5 north-western Australia, with the aim of identifying the spatio-temporal distribution of 6 recreational fishing as well as quantifying participation and zoning compliance. During 7 aerial and coastal surveys, a recreational activity type was identified for 73% and 65% 8 of the vessels observed, respectively. About 16-17% of vessels were identified as being 9 engaged in recreational fishing and, of these, 8-12% were observed while fishing in 10 sanctuary zones. For people undertaking shore-based recreation, identification of 11 activity type increased to 97% for aerial surveys and 100% for land-based surveys. 12 Participation in recreational fishing was 9% for both survey methods and 2-4% of these 13 fishers were observed in sanctuary zones. Peak visitor months (April -October) had a 14 wider spatial distribution and higher density of shore and vessel-based fishers. 15Interviews with recreational fishers enabled collection of data about knowledge of 16 zoning, and compliance with bag and size limits. For repeat visitors, 87% could 17 correctly identify the location of the nearest sanctuary zone; for first time visitors this 18 dropped to 52%. About 75% of both visitor types stated that these zones had not 19 affected their fishing activity. No fishers had reached their bag limit and only two 20 undersized fish were recorded in the examined catches. The multi-faceted survey 21 approach revealed that aerial and coastal surveys produced similar data on non-22 compliance. Such data can be used to develop site-specific enforcement and education 23 activities as well as providing support for planning and management of marine parks. 24 25

No abstract

The Rottnest Island Reserve, located off southwestern Australia, is one of the most popular recreational fishing locations in Western Australia. In the reserve, standard Western Australian recreational fishing regulations apply and there are two small "no-take" conservation sanctuary areas. A roving creel survey of shore-based recreational angling in the reserve was conducted from January to December 2003. In total, 1 053 anglers were recorded which included individuals, families, school groups and angling club members. The total annual shore-based angling effort for Rottnest island was calculated to be 23 899 angler outings and the total catch estimated at 53 994 retained fish. Fishing effort was concentrated in the settlement area on the eastern side of the island and the highest levels of catch and effort were recorded in April, May and July. During the survey, 33 fish species were identified in the catch and the small, pelagic species Australian Herring dominated with 7.27 tonnes caught during the study. Shore-based anglers also caught and released a large number of non-target species. The survey has provided spatial and temporal data that can be used as a benchmark and to support decision making by the Rottnest Island Authority with respect to biodiversity conservation and the Department of Fisheries with regard to management of shore-based recreational angling in the Rottnest Island Reserve.