Importance of recreational fisheries in the Guadiana River Basin in Portugal

Abstract

The rapid expansion of recreational fishing in Portugal over the last 20 years, along with the multiplicity of pressures affecting inland fisheries, demands the urgent recognition of the social and economic values. Sport-angling information is still inadequate to formulate management actions. To address this issue, a regional survey on freshwater recreational fishing in all the municipalities of the Guadiana River Basin was carried out in 1999. The survey, based on 1998 data, provided information on the profile of anglers, preferences as regards reservoirs and sections of rivers fished, frequency of fishing trips, motivation, expenditure, fish species caught, an estimation of total catch and its destination, interest in competitions, enforcement and personal opinions. The results recommended improved communication and feedback between users, and mechanisms for future regional development and management of recreational fisheries.