Recreational fishing in Norway from 1970 to 1993: trends and geographical variation

Abstract

Abstract Participation in recreational fishing by Norwegians and geographical differences in fishing behaviour in Norway were investigated from 1970 to 1993 by comparing results from several household surveys at the national level and in different municipalities. Approximately 50% of the adult population fish every year. Only slight changes in participation rates were observed between 1970–1993, but considerable local variation in rates of participation and type of fishing were found. Participation rates among people living in northern Norway and in rural municipalities was higher than among people living in southern Norway and urban citizens. Among people living in the capital city, Oslo, the rate of participation was particularly low. Recreational fishing in Norway includes angling as well as subsistence fishing. Large geographical variation in fishing, continuing urbanization and an increasing population of elderly people should be taken into account by managers when developing a recreational fisheries strategy for the future.