Recommendations for the future of recreational fisheries to prepare the social‐ecological system to cope with change

Arlinghaus, Robert; Cooke, Steven J.; Sutton, Stephen G.; Danylchuk, Andy J.; Potts, Warren M.; Freire, Kátia de Meirelles Felizola; Alós, Josep; Silva, E. T. da; Cowx, I. G.; Anrooy, R. Van

doi:10.1111/fme.12191

Cited by 76 publications

(70 citation statements)

References 63 publications

(141 reference statements)

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“…The role of recreational fishing in the global fishing crisis is now considered non-negligible5. However, the general lack of monitoring and assessment programs in recreational fisheries in many countries of the world imposes constraints on our ability to estimate exploitation rates67. This is potentially problematic because knowledge of current exploitation rate relative to the sustainable fishing mortality rate and the relation of current to unexploited spawning stock biomass are both crucial reference points, whose knowledge is essential for ensuring sustainable capture fisheries8.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Fast and behavior-selective exploitation of a marine fish targeted by anglers

Alós

Palmer

Rosselló

et al. 2016

Sci Rep

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Harvesting of wild-living animals is often intensive and may selectively target heritable behavioral traits. We studied the exploitation dynamics and the vulnerability consequences of individual heterogeneity in movement-related behaviors in free-ranging pearly razorfish (Xyrichthys novacula). Using underwater-video recording, we firstly document a fast and high exploitation rate of about 60% of the adult population removed in just few days after the opening of the season. Subsequently, we tagged a sample of individuals with acoustic transmitters and studied whether behavioral traits were significant predictors of the vulnerability to angling. Tagged individuals revealed repeatable behaviors in several home range-related traits, suggesting the presence of spatial behavioral types. The individuals surviving the experimental fishery showed only localized and low-intensity movement patterns. Our study provides new insights for understanding the harvesting pressures and selective properties acting on behavioral traits of recreational fishing. Many fish stocks around the globe are today predominantly exploited by recreational fisheries. The fisheries-induced change in fish behavior described here may be therefore widespread, and has the potential to alter food-webs, profitability of the fisheries and to affect stock assessment by eroding catchability in the long-term.

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Fast and behavior-selective exploitation of a marine fish targeted by anglers

Alós

Palmer

Rosselló

et al. 2016

Sci Rep

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“…This reinforces the recent call for greater emphasis on better understanding of behavioural drivers of recreational fishers in complex socio-ecological systems [11,19,71]. Nudge design will be further complicated in cases where there are large differences across individuals in personal characteristics and behavioural drivers.…”

Section: Challenges and Design Considerations For Nudges In Recreatiomentioning

confidence: 53%

When push comes to shove in recreational ﬁshing compliance, think ‘nudge’

Mackay¹,

Putten²,

Sibly³

et al. 2018

Preprint

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Enforcing compliance with rules and regulations in recreational fisheries has proved difficult due to factors such as the high number of participants and costs of enforcement, the absence of regular monitoring of recreational fishing activity, and the inherent difficulties in accurately determining catch levels. The effectiveness of traditional punitive deterrence is limited, yet current management is heavily reliant on this compliance approach. In this paper, the potential of behavioural based management is considered through a narrative review of the relevant literature; specifically, exploring the use of nudges, which aim through subtle changes and indirect suggestion to make certain decisions more salient, thereby improving voluntary compliance. This concept is explored with specific reference to the compliance of fishers within Australian recreational fisheries. There are only a few examples of behavioural based approaches found. However, based on their theoretical foundations, nudges may represent an inexpensive, and potentially highly effective tool for recreational fisheries management. Nudges do not offer a 'quick fix' to cases where traditional policy instruments have failed. Rather, there is the potential for behavioural nudges (based on framing, changing the physical environment, presenting default options, and social norms) to augment and complement existing deterrence regimes. A number of potential nudges for compliance management in recreational fisheries are suggested, but caution is advised. As with any novel management approach, nudges must be rigorously tested to demonstrate their cost-effectiveness and to avoid unintended consequences.

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“…There is an increasingly complex economic, socio‐cultural and geo‐political context in which recreational fisheries operate (Arlinghaus et al, , ; Hunt et al ., ) and this demands that we think well beyond simply meeting a biologically based management target. Moreover, recreational fishing is embedded in culture and for that to continue (in the face of mounting pressures that see humans disconnecting with nature; Soga & Gaston, ), the anglers of today have a responsibility to connect with the anglers of tomorrow.…”

Section: On Rands Recreational Fisheries In the Anthropocenementioning

confidence: 99%

Searching for responsible and sustainable recreational fisheries in the Anthropocene

Cooke

Twardek

Reid

et al. 2019

Journal of Fish Biology

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Recreational fisheries that use rod and reel (i.e., angling) operate around the globe in diverse freshwater and marine habitats, targeting many different gamefish species and engaging at least 220 million participants. The motivations for fishing vary extensively; whether anglers engage in catch‐and‐release or are harvest‐oriented, there is strong potential for recreational fisheries to be conducted in a manner that is both responsible and sustainable. There are many examples of recreational fisheries that are well‐managed where anglers, the angling industry and managers engage in responsible behaviours that both contribute to long‐term sustainability of fish populations and the sector. Yet, recreational fisheries do not operate in a vacuum; fish populations face threats and stressors including harvest from other sectors as well as environmental change, a defining characteristic of the Anthropocene. We argue that the future of recreational fisheries and indeed many wild fish populations and aquatic ecosystems depends on having responsible and sustainable (R&S) recreational fisheries whilst, where possible, addressing, or at least lobbying for increased awareness about the threats to recreational fisheries emanating from outside the sector (e.g., climate change). Here, we first consider how the concepts of R&S intersect in the recreational fishing sector in an increasingly complex socio‐cultural context. Next, we explore the role of the angler, angling industry and decision‐makers in achieving R&S fisheries. We extend this idea further by considering the consequences of a future without recreational fisheries (either because of failures related to R&S) and explore a pertinent case study situated in Uttarakahand, India. Unlike other fisheries sectors where the number of participants is relatively small, recreational angling participants are numerous and widespread, such that if their actions are responsible, they have the potential to be a key voice for conservation and serve as a major force for good in the Anthropocene. What remains to be seen is whether this will be achieved, or if failure will occur to the point that recreational fisheries face increasing pressure to cease, as a result of external environmental threats, the environmental effects of recreational fishing and emerging ethical concerns about the welfare of angled fish.

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Recommendations for the future of recreational fisheries to prepare the social‐ecological system to cope with change

Cited by 76 publications

References 63 publications

Fast and behavior-selective exploitation of a marine fish targeted by anglers

Fast and behavior-selective exploitation of a marine fish targeted by anglers

When push comes to shove in recreational ﬁshing compliance, think ‘nudge’

Searching for responsible and sustainable recreational fisheries in the Anthropocene

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