Exploring the hidden connections between information channel use and pro-environmental behavior among recreational anglers of the shore-based shark fishery in Florida, United States

Abstract

IntroductionShore-based shark fishing in Florida is a relatively low-cost and easy-access fishery which attracts a wide variety of experienced and inexperienced anglers leading to concerns about proper handling methods of captured fish that are released either voluntarily or to comply with regulations. Proper handling methods can help reduce post-release mortality among sharks, many of which are threatened with extinction. Therefore, we considered proper handling methods as a pro-environmental behavior, which has been linked with the use of different information channels to increase conservation knowledge.MethodsWe used data from an online questionnaire to understand where anglers of this fishery obtain information about fishing skills with a particular focus on fish handling techniques and best practices for catch-and-release. Then we included their main information channels in a series of hierarchical regression models with perceived conservation knowledge and support for fishery management to explain pro-environmental behavior regarding shark conservation.ResultsWe found that most anglers learned about shore-based shark fishing through interpersonal communications with friends and family, but typically use the internet to learn more about fishing skills. While information channel use was not significantly associated with pro-environmental behavior, it was significantly associated with support for fisheries management, which in turn was associated with pro-environmental behavior among respondents.DiscussionThese findings can inform public educational outreach efforts to spread awareness of proper handling techniques and reduce instances of post-release mortality in sharks.

Perceptions regarding the recreational cobia fishery in relation to manta ray conservation

“…Novice anglers who learn fishing methods on the internet (or through a combination of the internet and interpersonal relationships) may become more conservation-oriented and willing to change their behaviour to support fishery management due to ease of access or exposure to conservation-oriented materials (Guay et al, 2023). This assumes that the majority of information on the internet around a particular fishery is conservation-oriented-so conversely, ease of access to misinformation might cause novice anglers to change their behaviour in potentially harmful ways, as research suggests harmful behavioural messages can be normalized or reinforced through online exposure (e.g.…”

“…Wilson (1990) describes fishing experience as intellectual property, observing that no one angler can successfully exploit the entire ocean, but that an exchange of intellectual property in the form of experience and knowledge allows for a higher level of overall exploitation. In the age of social media, information is shared much more easily and frequently than it was historically (Guay et al, 2023). Most survey respondents (82% in the post hoc survey) described social media as a significant contributor to incidental manta hooking, as it facilitates quick distribution of information when manta rays are in the area, causing novice or inexperienced anglers to crowd the areas.…”

“…When used irresponsibly, social media may indirectly increase the risk of exploitation, visitor pressure and the spread of misinformation, while positive effects can include increases in conservation funding or behaviour, and pro-environmental policy changes (Bergman et al, 2022). Increased use of the internet by novice or inexperienced anglers in order to learn how to fish a certain species is not inherently negative and may give them opportunities to learn from experienced anglers, but could also lead to misunderstandings and improper handling, especially in cases where instructional videos on YouTube or other online platforms include outdated information and/or are from states with different fisheries regulations, leading to unintentional or accidental illegal fishing practices (Guay et al, 2023).…”