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Harmonizing recreational fisheries and conservation objectives for aquatic biodiversity in inland waters

Cowx, I. G.; Arlinghaus, R.; Cooke, S. J.

Authors

R. Arlinghaus

S. J. Cooke



Abstract

The importance of recreational fisheries to local and national economies, and as a generator of immense social welfare throughout the developed world, is well established. Development in the sector and its interaction with non-fishery-related nature conservation objectives for aquatic biodiversity, however, have the potential to generate conflict. This article reviews the intersection between recreational fisheries and nature conservation goals for aquatic biodiversity with specific reference to inland waters in industrialized countries, and the principal management activities and constraints that can lead to conflicts. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis was used to review the issues facing sectoral development and identify options for future advancement of recreational fisheries to ameliorate potential conflicts with nature conservation goals. It is concluded that reconciliation of recreational fisheries and modern conservation perspectives is both possible and desirable, because many conservation problems also benefit fisheries quality. Angler buy-in to conservation is probable if (1) management scales are small, (2) threats to conservation originate from outside the fisheries sectors and (3) ecological awareness for the conservation problem is high. If these aspects are not present, reconciliation of recreational fisheries and nature conservation goals is less likely, risking both the aquatic biodiversity and the future of angling. To address these issues, enforcement of legislation and continued communication with angler communities is necessary, as well as development of integrated management policies that build on the instrumental values of aquatic biodiversity for recreational fisheries, while curtailing the more insidious threats to such biodiversity that originate directly from the recreational fisheries sector.

Citation

Cowx, I. G., Arlinghaus, R., & Cooke, S. J. (2010). Harmonizing recreational fisheries and conservation objectives for aquatic biodiversity in inland waters. Journal of fish biology, 76(9), 2194-2215. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02686.x

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Jun 9, 2010
Publication Date 2010-06
Journal JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
Print ISSN 0022-1112
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 76
Issue 9
Pages 2194-2215
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02686.x
Keywords Angling; Biocentrism; Fisheries management; Sustainability; SWOT analysis
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/400031
Publisher URL https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02686.x