Angler and guide perceptions provide insights into the status and threats of the Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) fishery

Abstract

Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) support an economically important fishery, yet there is limited information on the status of their fishery and population. A survey consisting of anglers and fishing guides was administered to help address these data deficiencies and to better understand the current and historical status of the recreational Atlantic tarpon fishery. An additional goal was to assess perceived threats to Atlantic tarpon and understand what anglers and fishing guides view as priorities for improved conservation and management efforts. Respondents (n = 918 completed surveys) indicated a significant decline in fishing quality since the 1970s. Respondents perceived water and habitat quality as the greatest threats to Atlantic tarpon populations and restoration of those as the top conservation priorities. Respondents also supported regulations that prohibit harvest (i.e., catch-and-release only), increased science efforts to understand Atlantic tarpon ecology for conservation solutions, and spatial management, such as pole-troll zones (i.e., where high speed motorboat travel is prohibited). Support for conservation solutions varied between those that targeted Atlantic tarpon with spin and fly gear, with fly gear anglers having higher support for increased regulatory oversight. With individual guides losing, on average, 2–7 Atlantic tarpon per year to sharks over the last five years, shark encounters appear to be increasing and are located in areas where Atlantic tarpon seasonally aggregate, such as passes. Given the chronic data-limited situation, local ecological knowledge derived from recreational anglers and fishing guides provide an important source of knowledge for the current and future conservation of Atlantic tarpon populations.