Current and Future Fisheries Management Goals: Implications for Future Management

Abstract

A structured one-page mail questionnaire was used to evaluate present and future management goals of state recreational fisheries management personnel. Recreational fisheries management goals evaluated were (1) maximizing sustained yield, (2) maximizing catch, (3) establishing trophy fisheries, (4) maximizing fishing license sales, (5) maximizing angler-trips, (6) maximizing angler-days, (7) maximizing angler hours, (8) minimizing angler crowding, and (9) minimizing angler complaints. Respondents indicated that maximum sustained yield is currently the dominant goal being used in recreational fisheries management. Future fisheries management goals were likely to be similar to current goals. No significant differences were found between manager's educational levels for the current and future list of top-ranked goals. Significant differences were found between a manager's years of work experience and his anticipated future fisheries management objectives: more experienced managers tended to anticipate a change in goals away from yield toward angler-oriented goals. However, the total number of recreational fisheries managers favoring maximum sustained yield and catch as realistic goals is not likely to change in the future. Comparison of the “desires” of the angling public for a multifaceted fishing experience to the managers' heavy orientation towards yield suggests a concerning disparity.