Recreational Shore Research Articles

Importance of recreational shore angling in the archipelago of Madeira, Portugal (northeast Atlantic)

In 2017, a total of 4825 licences were issued for shore angling in Madeira. Surveys were conducted on 734 anglers, some in the government fisheries office during the licence request and others during the fishing activity. Shore angling is practised throughout the year, mostly at weekends and during day time, and with an increase in summer. More than 60% of the anglers are unemployed, have low incomes, and spend on average €254 per person per year on this activity, adding up to a total of €1.16 million per year. Shore angling average number of fishing days per year per fisher was 65.1±62.0 and the average catch per unit of effort was 0.35±0.26 kg/angler/hour. The estimated total annual catch was 520.7 t. Forty-three teleost species, 2 elasmobranchs and 6 invertebrates were identified in the catches. Despite the limitations and inaccuracies inherent to the surveys, they still provided valuable information and gave a general perception of the recreational shore fisheries in Madeira. The possible impact on the most captured species, such as the white seabream, Diplodus sargus (Linnaeus, 1758), and the parrotfish Sparisoma cretense (Linnaeus, 1758), should be analysed because high fishing pressure could affect populations and ecosystems.

First Central Mediterranean Scientific Field Study on Recreational Fishing Targeting the Ecosystem Approach to Sustainability

The Maltese Islands have a very active recreational fishing community which may affect the coastal marine ecosystem. Despite this, studies to scientifically document the effects of this activity have been lacking prior to works between July 2012 and June 2017 presented here as a case study. This project, with the aim of collecting long-term data on the characteristics, trends, catches and impacts to fish populations of the recreational shore sport fishery at the national level also involved a pilot study on hobby shore angling. 2589 roving-access creel surveys conducted during 132 sport fishing events and 159 catches from hobby fishers were documented with the methodology used also applicable to shore fishing taking place in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. 90 species belonging to 29 families were documented with the most common being the Sparidae and Labridae. Catch per unit effort was higher for sport fishers with hobby fishers targeting larger fish. Results from this case study go to augment the limited and necessary knowledge on this fishing sector in the Mediterranean. Findings also indicate that recreational fisheries need to be taken into account when considering conservation measures for national, regional and global fisheries management.

Changes in recreational shore anglers’ attitudes towards, and awareness of, linefish management along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa

Management of recreational fisheries cannot be based on biological and stock assessment data alone but needs to include appropriate social aspects (including knowledge, attitudes and behaviour) of anglers within the fishery. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate and complement existing recreational fisheries research, through the analysis of demographic and psychographic angler attributes collected from two independent, shore-based snapshot monitoring surveys conducted on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coastline of South Africa, in 1994–1996 and 2009–2010. Results show significant changes between the two survey events in the demographics of anglers (including ethnic composition, age distribution, years of fishing experience and employment status) participating in the KZN shore-based linefishery. Traditional management regulations (minimum size limits, daily bag limits and closed seasons), though appearing to have support, have had limited effectiveness, based on the increased levels of admitted non-compliance and poor knowledge of regulations for target species. Anglers in both surveys believed that catches had declined over the years, with overfishing being the most common reason given. The results are discussed in the context of changing management practices in the KZN recreational shore-based linefishery. The implications of changes in fisheries management policies and responsibilities along the KZN coast are highlighted.

When plenty is not enough: an assessment of the white stumpnose (Rhabdosargus globiceps) fishery of Saldanha Bay, South Africa

White stumpnose Rhabdosargus globiceps is the main target of the linefishery in Saldanha Bay. Increased fishing pressure over the last three decades, particularly by the recreational sector, has led to concerns regarding sustainability of the local white stumpnose stock. The fishery was exceptionally productive between 2006 and 2008, with an estimated annual catch of 141.2 tonnes (t). Only 3% of boat outings surveyed were commercial boats targeting white stumpnose, yet this sector accounted for 39.3 t (31%) of the average annual catch. The recreational boat sector accounted for most of the catch (70.0 t), and the recreational shore sector the least (31.9 t). Commercial boat catch per unit effort (CPUE; 3.7 fish angler–1 h–1) was more than 10 times that of recreational boats (0.3 fish angler–1 h–1). White stumpnose catch length-frequency differed significantly (p < 0.01) between the fishing sectors, with the commercial sector retaining larger fish (34.7 cm [SD 5.9]) than the recreational boat (33.9 cm [SD 5.9]) and shore (30.4 cm [SD 5.8]) sectors. A decline in commercial CPUE (2000–2015) of approximately 40% and a concomitant severe decline (>95%) in survey data for juvenile white stumpnose CPUE (2007–2016) indicate that the current rate of exploitation is not sustainable. Recovery of the white stumpnose stock will require a decrease in fishing mortality. Possible management regulations include sector-specific effort limitations, extending the ‘no take’ marine protected area, reducing the recreational-sector bag limit to 5 fish person–1 day–1, implementing a commercial-sector bag limit, and increasing the minimum size limit to 30 cm TL.

Assessing a social norms approach for improving recreational fisheries compliance

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the suitability of the Berkowitz' () social norms approach (SNA) for improving compliance behaviour amongst recreational fishers. A total of 138 recreational shore anglers were interviewed in Eastern Cape, South Africa and asked about their compliance, attitudes towards compliance, perceptions of compliance and the attitudes of other anglers. Results indicate that angler compliance for individual regulations was relatively high (75%–90%). Attitudes of anglers towards compliance was positive, with &gt;80% feeling that “breaking any regulation is wrong.” Yet, as predicted by the SNA, interviewees often overestimated the non‐compliance and negative attitudes of other anglers, particularly as their social proximity decreased. Interviewees with the greatest misperceptions were also less compliant. The social norms present in the Eastern Cape rock and surf fishery fulfil the criteria required for the application of the SNA, suggesting that this approach may provide a suitable normative intervention for improving compliance to be used in conjunction with instrumental approaches in recreational fisheries.

Seasonally and spatially referenced estimates of recreational shore-angling effort, catch composition, catch rates and total catch in the Goukamma Marine Protected Area, South Africa

A roving creel survey of the recreational shore fishery along the 16.4-km coastline in the Goukamma Marine Protected Area on the south coast of South Africa was conducted from 2009 to 2011. Some 838 patrols were stratified equally among months, areas and years, but intentionally biased towards weekends. Angler densities at Buffalo Bay and Groenvlei were 0.59 and 0.28 anglers km−1, respectively. Weekend densities were double to quadruple weekday densities and fishing during winter was more popular than during summer. Area, habitat and distance to access points explained variation in angler densities. Shannon–Wiener diversity in catches declined from 2.18 in an earlier (1993–2002) survey to 1.79. Although the order of species abundance in the catches remained largely unchanged, blacktail Diplodus capensis dominance increased to 57.3% by number, at the expense of galjoen Dichistius capensis. Habitat explained 27% of the variance in catch composition. The catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the top nine species ranged from 0.19 to 6.35 fish 100-h−1. The CPUE of all species, except spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii, declined. Blacktail and galjoen CPUE declined by 17% and 77%, respectively. The total catch estimate was 2 986 fish y−1. Transgressions of size limits were common. The results suggest that the fishery is overexploited and that catch rates are declining.

Economic Impacts of Rail Transit on Recreational Shore Communities: Case of the north Jersey Coast line

This study estimated the impact of spending by North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) riders during summer weekends on the economies of the Jersey Shore communities known for beach-oriented recreational activities. The NJCL is a commuter rail line that provides many workers with access to their workplaces on weekdays throughout the year. The line also provides a large number of recreational visitors from New York City and other parts of New Jersey with direct access to the Jersey Shore communities on summer weekends. To estimate the economic benefits to the shore communities from spending by NJCL riders on summer weekends, this study used a software program (R/ECON) regional input–output (I-O) model developed by the Rutgers Economic Advisory Service of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Visitor expenditure data from an onboard survey of NJCL riders were used as model inputs. The survey was conducted during the summer of 2013 and was completed by 2,241 riders returning from the shore area. The R/ECON I-O model provided estimates of economic benefits to the shore communities in terms of jobs, earnings, gross domestic product, state taxes, and local taxes. The model also generated return-on-investment multipliers for these variables. The study showed that the $14.8 million spent by NJCL riders on summer weekends in the shore communities generated approximately 225 annualized jobs, more than $9 million in earnings, and more than $1 million in state taxes. More than 80% of the economic benefit was generated by out-of-state visitor spending.

Brassy chubs Kyphosus vaigiensis display unexpected trans-island movement along inshore habitats

Large herbivores such as kyphosids on coral reefs are drivers of ecosystem resilience by grazing on macroalgae and providing space for coral growth. These fishes also support recreational shore fisheries and are commonly targeted for food by fishers in the tropics. Yet, little is known about their habitat utilization and movement among inshore habitats. Movement patterns of brassy chubs Kyphosus vaigiensis were investigated using passive acoustic telemetry methods along the coastline of Hawaii Island. Of particular interest, two individuals displayed unexpected trans-island movement throughout estuarine and coastal habitats, which respectively traveled 311 km and 37 km from their release site. The movement behaviors of these two individuals are highly uncharacteristic among most shore fishes, and shift our understanding of movement ranges of herbivorous shore fishes with implications for adaptive management of multiple shore fisheries resources.

From a traditionally open access fishery to modern restrictions: Portuguese anglers' perceptions about newly implemented recreational fishing regulations

Abstract Saltwater recreational fishing (SRF) in Portugal was for a long time an open-access activity, without restrictions of any kind. Restrictions to control the recreational harvest were first implemented in 2006 and were highly criticized by the angler community, for being highly restrictive and lacking scientific support. The present study aimed to obtain socio-economic data on the recreational shore anglers and gauge their perceptions about recreational fishing regulations and the newly implemented restrictions in Portugal. Roving creel surveys were conducted along the south and south-west coasts of Portugal, during pre and post regulation periods (2006–2007). A total of 1298 valid face-to-face interviews were conducted. Logit models were fitted to identify which characteristics influence anglers' perceptions about recreational fishing regulations. The majority of the interviewed anglers was aware and agreed with the existence of recreational fishing regulations. However, most were against the recreational fishing regulations currently in place. The logit models estimates revealed that Portuguese anglers with a higher level of formal education and income are more likely to agree with the existence of recreational fishing regulations. In contrast, anglers who perceive that more limitations and a better enforcement of commercial fishing would improve fishing in the area are less likely to agree with the existence of SRF regulations. The findings from this study will contribute to inform decision-makers about anglers' potential behaviour towards the new and future regulations. Although the existence of fishing regulations is a good starting point for effective management, the lack of acceptance and detailed knowledge of the regulations in place by fishers may result in lack of compliance, and ultimately hinder the success of recreational fishing regulations in Portugal.

Biological implications of recreational shore angling and harvest in a marine reserve: the case of Cape Creus

Abstract Recreational shore fishing along the coast of the marine reserve of Cap de Creus (NW Mediterranean) was studied in 2007 and 2009 based on roving creel surveys (on‐site angler surveys during which anglers' harvests are examined by the survey clerk). The study aimed to assess the biological impacts of this leisure activity on coastal fish stocks and the potential risks arising from the use of exotic baits. Recreational shore fishers employ seven different fishing techniques, of which the bottom fishing rod (a fishing rod whose hooks, together with the bait, lie on the bottom or near it by means of a heavy weight) is by far the most widely used method (nearly 90% of observations). In total, 25 fish species were identified in the catch from the bottom fishing rod. The estimated annual shore fishing catches (c.3 tons) are much lower than those obtained by recreational boat and spear fishing (c.20 tons each), and those from commercial (artisanal) fishing (c.50 tons). The weighted mean vulnerability index and trophic level values in the catch from the bottom fishing rod are 52.2 and 4.03, respectively. A minimum of 43% of the baits used by the shore anglers were live, non‐native species (mostly polychaetes). Overall, results highlight the impact of shore angling on coastal fish communities of a protected area and the increasing environmental risks arising from the use of exotic marine baits, which constitute a potential and unregulated vector of introduction of non‐native species in the Mediterranean. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Socioeconomic implications of recreational shore angling for the management of coastal resources in a Mediterranean marine protected area

Roving creel surveys of recreational shore fishing were conducted in 2007 in the marine reserve of Cap de Creus (NW Mediterranean) to assess the socioeconomic implications of this leisure activity. Even though an angler spends on average around 600€ per year in fishing supplies and car fuel, the economic impact for the villages belonging to the marine reserve is limited because most (95%) anglers were visitors who were not lodged in any coastal village of the Park and therefore did not spend on local services and accommodation. However, the willingness of more than half of the anglers to pay a fee for fishing in the marine protected area supports the social and economic value of angling in the protected area.

Quantifying recreational shore angling catch and harvest in southern Portugal (north‐east Atlantic Ocean): implications for conservation and integrated fisheries management

Recreational shore fishing along 250 km of the south and south-west coast of Portugal was studied based on roving creel and aerial surveys. Surveys were conducted between August 2006 and July 2007, following a stratified random-sampling design and provided information on catch and effort, harvest and discards, angler demographics and fishing habits. Overall, 192 roving creel surveys, 24 aerial surveys and 1321 interviews were conducted. Based on the aerial surveys, a mean +/-s.e. total fishing effort of 705,236 +/- 32,765 angler h year(-1) was estimated, corresponding to 166,430 +/- 9792 fishing trips year(-1). Average time spent per fishing trip was 4.7 h. A total of 48 species, belonging to 22 families, were recorded in roving creel surveys. The most important species was Diplodus sargus, accounting for 44% of the total catches by number and 48% by mass. Estimated mean +/-s.e. total annual recreational shore fishing catch was 160.2 +/- 12.6 t year(-1) (788,049 +/- 54,079 fishes year(-1)), of which 147.4 +/- 11.9 t year(-1) (589,132 +/- 42,360 fishes year(-1)) was retained. Although overall shore-based recreational catches only corresponded to 0.8% of the commercial landings (only common species considered), D. sargus catches by recreational shore anglers were considerable, corresponding to 65% of the commercial landings. The implications of these results for integrated fisheries management and conservation are discussed, and future research proposed.

Measuring the economic effects of sea level rise on shore fishing

In this paper we develop estimates of the economic effects of sea level rise on marine recreational shore fishing in North Carolina, USA. The relationship between angler behavior and spatial differences in beach width is estimated using the Marine Recreational Fishing Statistics Survey and geospatial data. We exploit the empirical relationship between beach width and fishing site choice by simulating the effects of sea level rise on angler site choice. We find that reductions in beach width negatively affect the quality and number of fishing trips even as anglers adapt by using piers and bridges. Welfare losses are potentially substantial, ranging up 39% of the total value of marine shore fishing in North Carolina.

An assessment of catches and harvest of recreational shore angling in the north of Portugal

Abstract Recreational shore angling in the Atlantic Ocean between Moledo and Aveiro (Portugal) was examined using roving creel surveys (March/September 2001). Cooperation was high (90% of 2310 anglers approached). At least 39 species of fish were caught at a rate of approximately 0.5 fish angler h−1. An estimated 7319 kg of Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), with 45.6% below the minimum legal size, and 2040 kg of sea breams (genus Diplodus), correspond to 5.75% and 1.19% of the commercial landings in the same geographical area, respectively. The results shed light on a number of issues relevant to integrated coastal management, including temporal and spatial distribution of fishing effort, species caught, sizes of fish, catch rates, and factors influencing catches and angler satisfaction. Whilst the results suggest that the catches of sea breams and sea bass by day‐time recreational shore angling in northern Portugal are small compared with commercial fishing, other recreational activities, such as boat fishing and spear‐fishing, must be assessed.

An analysis of the recreational shore fishery in the Goukamma Marine Protected Area

Ten years (1993–2002) of shore fishing catch and effort data collected during routine patrols in the Goukamma Marine Protected Area in theWestern Cape Province were analysed. Of a total of 35 species recorded, the most common were backtail, Diplodus sargus capensis (39%), and galjoen, Dichistius capensis (25%). These species dominated most years of the study period. Mean overall annual catch per unit effort by number and weight remained relatively constant over the period. Up to 30% of the recorded catches of top species were smaller than the minimum legal size limits. Although catches of most of the top species contained <7% immature specimens, 98% of recorded dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus, and 87% of white steenbras, Lithognathus lithognathus, were immature. Blacktail and galjoen showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in mean annual weight over the period. Inherent sampling biases associated with compliance-orientated fisheries monitoring procedures limited the potential of the collected data.

An analysis of the recreational shore fishery in the Goukamma Marine Protected Area

ABSTRACT Ten years (1993–2002) of shore fishing catch and effort data collected during routine patrols in the Goukamma Marine Protected Area in the Western Cape Province were analysed. Of a total of 35 species recorded, the most common were backtail, Diplodus sargus capensis (39%), and galjoen, Dichistius capensis (25%). These species dominated most years of the study period. Mean overall annual catch per unit effort by number and weight remained relatively constant over the period. Up to 30% of the recorded catches of top species were smaller than the minimum legal size limits. Although catches of most of the top species contained <7% immature specimens, 98% of recorded dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus, and 87% of white steenbras, Lithognathus lithognathus, were immature. Blacktail and galjoen showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in mean annual weight over the period. Inherent sampling biases associated with compliance-orientated fisheries monitoring procedures limited the potential of the collected ...

The Role of Estuaries in South African Fisheries: Economic Importance and Management Implications

Existing catch data for 129 of 255 functional estuaries on the South African coastline were reviewed and the relationships between fish catch and estuary size, type and biogeographical region analysed using simple and multivariate models. The best predictive models were obtained by analysing data separately for each biogeographical region. Estuary size alone explained >80% of the variation in catch in the warm temperate region and >90% of the variation in catch in the cool temperate and subtropical region. Further analysis of the two main estuary types, i.e.permanently open and temporarily open/closed estuaries revealed a steeper regression slope and therefore greater productivity for the permanently open systems. Estuary size (ha) and type (five) were used to explain catches within the warm temperate and subtropical regions using general linear models. The models were able to explain 82 and 98% of the variance in catches for the two regions respectively, and both were significant (p < 0.001). These models were applied to estuary type and size data for all 246 estuaries in the two regions and a total catch of 1 840 tons per year was estimated. Including the cool temperate region the total estuarine catch in South Africa was estimated at 2 480 tons per year. In all, 50% of the estuarine catch was attributed to commercial seine and gillnet fisheries, 46% to recreational angling and 4% to traditional trap and spear fisheries. Total catch value was R433 million per year, of which 99% could be attributed to recreational angling. Estuarine contribution to the inshore marine fisheries was estimated at approximately R490 million per year, estuarydependent species constituting 83% of the catch of the recreational shore and commercial seine and gillnet fisheries and only 7% of the catch of the recreational spearfishery and commercial and recreational boat fisheries. In 2002, the total value of estuarine and estuary-dependent fisheries was estimated to be R1.251 billion.

Economic characteristics of demand in Namibia's marine recreational shore fishery

A sample of 626 anglers was surveyed with a questionnaire to determine the expenditures, consumer surpluses and elasticities of demand associated with the Namibian recreational marine shore fishery in 1998. Two entirely different methods of valuation, the travel cost method and contingent valuation, were applied. Results for the two methods indicate convergent validation. On aggregate, anglers spent between N$23 million and N$31 million on angling trips in Namibia during 1998, and they were willing to pay between N$24 million and N$27 million more than this for the experience. The fishery contributed between N$11 million and N$15 million to gross national income. Anglers in the fishery were found willing to pay some N$1 million annually towards conservation of the fish resource, as well as some N$340 000 annually for licences. Demand for angling experiences is generally price inelastic, suggesting that rents might be captured through donations and licence fees, without reducing angler numbers. Keywords: demand, economic valuation, Namibia, recreational fishery African Journal of Marine Science 2001, 23: 145–156

Microbiological Pollution of Ria Formosa (South of Portugal)

A 24-month survey on the microbiological quality of recreational shore marine waters in three sampling stations located at Ria Formosa (South of Portugal) was conducted. The classical indicators of faecal pollution, such as total coliforms (TC), faecal (thermotolerant) coliforms (FC), faecal streptococci (FS) and somatic coliphages, as well as several physico-chemical parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and transparency) were determined in the sampling stations, which exhibited different degrees of faecal pollution. The relationships between faecal indicators and several pathogenic microorganisms ( Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans) were also established in these recreational marine zones. The results obtained indicate that none of the indicators tested may be considered as a universal index of the presence of pathogens in water; however, faecal streptococci showed a higher and significant relationship with sewage discharges.

CONSERVATION IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT: SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF SHORE-ANGLING IN THE SOUTHWESTERN CAPE

Summary Recreational shore angling is a very important sector of South Africa's diverse marine fisheries. The number of anglers participating in this sport is increasing at 6% per annum and currently stands at approximately 380 000. This number is expected to exceed one million within 20 years. The catch rates of many species caught from the shore have declined markedly for at least 50 years and the species composition of the catch has changed. This indicates that stocks of many species are overexploited and that effort increases cannot be sustained. Measures introduced to conserve these stocks appear to have been largely unsuccessful because they do not have the support of many anglers and they are ineffectively policed. It is concluded that, in order to sustain this fishery, current legislation needs to be improved and that a licensing system for anglers should be introduced through which an education campaign can be channelled.