Bower, Shannon D.
[Author];
Jeanson, Amanda
[Author];
Robichaud, Jessica Ann
[Author];
Piczak, Morgan L.
[Author];
Young, Nathan
[Author];
Clarke, Adrian
[Author];
Danylchuk, Andy J.
[Author];
Cooke, Steven J.
[Author]
Predicting Differences in Angler Beliefs, Threat Perceptions, and Actions in British Columbia's Rainbow Trout and Steelhead Fisheries
Description:
Anglers are a diverse population whose behaviours and perspectives are influenced by myriad factors including knowledge, expertise, management actions, and regulations. We examine similarities and differences in behaviours and perspectives among freshwater anglers of rainbow trout and steelhead in the British Columbia, Canada, using an online survey. Findings from the survey suggest that subgroups or “types” of angler are identifiable by differences in their behaviours and perspectives according to geographic area, gear type, fishery, and frequency of fishing activities. Our results indicate that angler types share many of the same motivations for engaging in fishing behaviours and similar concerns regarding threats to their preferred fishery. However, differences were evident across types on issues related to angler behaviour, as well as views on fisheries management. Overall, we argue that understanding fishery-scale angler heterogeneity can benefit fisheries management by highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement and encouraging tailored communications and relationship-building with important angler subgroups