Engaging the Recreational Angling Community to Implement and Manage Aquatic Protected Areas |
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Authors: | ANDY J DANYLCHUK STEVEN J COOKE |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, U.S.A., email danylchuk@eco.umass.edu;2. Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada |
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Abstract: | Abstract: Recreational angling is a popular leisure activity, the quality of which is greatly dependent on fish abundance and well‐functioning aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic protected areas (APAs) are used to help maintain and even restore aquatic systems and their associated biota, including fish species that are popular with recreational anglers. Paradoxically, the use of APAs has been a source of much contention and conflict between members of the recreational angling community and those interested in or mandated to protect aquatic resources on the basis of the interests of multiple stakeholder groups. The angling community is concerned about the loss of fishing opportunities and effectiveness of APAs. Although it is still unclear whether establishment of APAs alone can effectively protect aquatic resources, actively including the recreational angling community in the design, implementation, and management of APAs will help ensure the values of this rather substantial user group are incorporated into aquatic conservation strategies. Conversely, the probability of increasing the sustainability of recreational angling and related economies will be greatest if recreational angler groups remain open minded to both short‐term and long‐term goals of fisheries conservation strategies, including the use of APAs. |
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Keywords: | aquatic protected areas conflict engagement planning process recreational anglers á reas acuá ticas protegidas conflicto involucramiento pescadores recreativos proceso de planificació n |
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