An Overview of Salmonid Fisheries Planning by State Agencies in the United States

Abstract

Effective planning is requisite for sound salmonid fisheries management, but there has never been a comprehensive assessment of the planning efforts of state agencies charged with this responsibility. We used mail surveys and telephone interviews with fisheries administrators and field managers, agency policy and budgeting officers, and non-governmental angling and environmental groups to characterize and assess state salmonid fisheries planning. Forty-one states responded to a mail survey of state agencies; at least 36 states are involved in planning for salmonid fisheries. A shorter mail survey was completed by angling group leaders in 21 states, and interviews were conducted in 5 states. Our findings indicate that despite limited planning training for agency staff, planning in support of salmonid fisheries management is widespread, and that plans and the planning process are viewed favorably by agency personnel. Study participants deemed plans to be useful for a number of plan functions, including issue identification, information development, assessing management needs, and selecting management interventions and projects. Although agency staff feel that their plans are useful and largely implemented, they also perceive deficiencies in the use of plans and planning processes for interacting with resource users and stakeholders. Resource users also share this perception. We recommend increased training for salmonid fisheries planners in newer planning approaches that stress the interactive, communicative, conflict resolution, and participatory dimensions of planning.