Inland recreational fisheries: harvest regulation effectiveness and analysis of angling community social factors

Hill, Tommy H

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115777 Copy

Description

Title

Inland recreational fisheries: harvest regulation effectiveness and analysis of angling community social factors

Author(s)

Hill, Tommy H

Issue Date

2022-04-28

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Parkos , Joseph J

Committee Member(s)

• Miller, Craig A
• Suski, Cory

Department of Study

Natural Res & Env Sci

Discipline

Natural Res & Env Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Fisheries
• Harvest Regulations
• Panfish
• Human Dimensions
• Literature Review.

Abstract

Research on predicting fishing pressure patterns and regulation outcomes can be used to guide sustainable exploitation of fish stocks. Harvest regulations are commonly used in recreational fisheries to prevent or repair the effects of overexploitation on fish size structure, but results have been inconsistent. To develop a more synthetic understanding of regulation effectiveness, I conducted a literature review and meta-analysis on harvest regulation ability to improve size structure, condition, and growth of inland recreational fisheries. My meta-analysis highlighted several regulation types that improve size structure across a variety of fish genera. Experimental design rigor underpinning regulation evaluations varied, with a need for more studies with greater spatial and temporal replication, as well as consideration of ecological covariates. Analysis of angler motivational factors, preferences, and satisfaction can help guide successful management of recreational fisheries by providing insight into social factors influencing fishing effort and harvest. I conducted an analysis on the inter-relationships of motivational elements (a typology) within the Central Illinois angling community, with a focus on pressure directed at panfish species (e.g., Lepomis and Pomoxis). Based on a combination of intercept interviews and follow-up questionnaires, 68% of motivational heterogeneity was accounted for by components describing the centrality of angling to one’s lifestyle, catch success importance, angler skill, fishing challenge importance, and catch consumption. I found panfish species are commonly harvested by a wide variety of anglers, but committed panfish anglers were aligned with higher skill and consumptive-orientation. Satisfaction was greater for consumptive-oriented anglers, while angler preferences for fishing regulations and opportunity increased with centrality to lifestyle.

Graduation Semester

2022-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Tommy Hill

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