A survey questionnaire, following recommendations made by Jenkins and Dillman (1997) and approved by the Institutional Review Board in College Station, was designed to describe demographics of charter anglers in Galveston, Texas and to assess their environmental awareness. The anglers were described by age, gender, place of residence, and species preference to reflect past studies and provide consistency of data. Economic impacts on the local economy were estimated using the number of anglers that spent at least one night in a Galveston hotel, charter fees, and a daily average for food/beverage expenditures made during their stay. Environmental awareness was established by asking whether anglers noticed the presence of marine debris, whether they were aware of the existence of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS), and whether marine sanctuaries were a valuable management tool. The questionnaire was administered to anglers that fished from the charter boat Freedom during its fifty-four charter trips in the months of June through August 2007. The response rate to the survey was 93.8% (N=213 respondents). The majority (81.7%) of those surveyed was male, 86.8% were between 20-60 years old, and 86% resided in Texas. The sub-population of charter anglers was defined as infrequent (68.5 %), without species preference (70.8 %), did not own their own boat (75%) and did not belong to a fishing, hunting, or conservation organization (79.8%). The economic impact was approximately $400 per person per day. This first step in assessing environmental awareness resulted in these findings: approximately 14% of the anglers noticed dead fish; 7% noticed dead birds; and 54.5% noticed man-made trash during their charter. Thirty-eight anglers (17.8%) responded that they were familiar with the FGBNMS; yet in general, nearly 81% indicated a perceived value in sanctuaries as a management tool. Future studies are needed to fully assess environmental awareness of anglers and their knowledge of other management programs. This is particularly important with the expansion of programs such as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s artificial reef program.

The primary purpose of my dissertation was to assess two competing models of catch-related attitudes (CRA) of recreational anglers for: 1) valid psychometric measurement, 2) consistency of CRA under different angling contexts, and 3) effect of CRA on angler preferences. Data came from a statewide survey of 6,924 licensed Texas anglers, and a follow-up survey of 1,078 freshwater catfish anglers identified by the statewide survey. I used confirmatory factor analysis to determine that a 4-construct model of CRA provided better fit to the data than a 3-construct model, and was configural and metric invariant across gender, ethnic, and angling context groups indicating cross-group comparisons would be unbiased. However, low factor loadings on several items, and low variance extracted estimates, indicate that current CRA scales require refinement. Additionally, structural equation models found that angler responses to the CRA scale were moderately consistent when measured in generic and species-specific contexts (50-60% shared variance), and the relationship between the two was not consistently moderated by measures of angling avidity. Next, I assessed influence of CRA on angler fishing trip preferences using a stated choice analysis. Results showed that angler choice of hypothetical fishing trips was influenced primarily by travel costs and catch-related trip attributes, and that CRA were significant mediators of angler preferences for associated trip attributes. Finally, I used a latent class state choice model to analyze separate trip choice models for five sub-groups of catfish anglers divided based on their CRA scores. Individual models showed considerable variation in preference for catch-related attributes paralleling strength of each groups’ attitudes towards a given CRA construct. Overall, results indicated that CRA scales are valid predictors of angler preferences and behavioral intentions. Human dimensions researchers studying angler populations will find the CRA scale to be a useful tool to incorporate into predictive models of angler behavior and preferences. Furthermore, fisheries managers should find the CRA scales useful to assess management preferences of an increasingly heterogeneous angler clientele, and aide them in designing management plans that efficiently meet angler needs and catch-related expectations.

This report argues that bass anglers constituted an important facet of the American environmental movement during the 1970s, especially though the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), founded by Alabama native Ray Scott in 1968. During this time period, bass anglers formulated a distinct strain of environmentalism rooted in the technologically-mediated landscape where bass anglers caught bass. This form of environmentalism carved out a social space wherein bass anglers could maintain preexisting social orders and hierarchies while addressing issues of the broader environmental movement, including industrial water pollution, poaching, and air quality. As such, bass anglers demonstrate the continual involvement of sportsmen within the environmental movement and the political diversity of the environmental movement. / text

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / This study is a quantitative investigation into anglers’ environmental behaviours, as associated with the human-nature relationship, within the context of sustainability and conservation psychology. Although much has been researched around pro-environmental behaviours that link to the household (such as energy use and recycling behaviours) and materialism (buying environmentally friendly products), there is comparatively little to show for variables associated with pro-environmental decision-making that relates to the protection of nature. One such environmental problem involves the disregard for environmental laws protecting marine life. The study aimed to extend this line of research by looking at certain environmental fishing behaviours in a sample of recreational False Bay anglers, and using their relationship with nature (i.e. the degree to which the self recognises an interconnectedness between humans and the natural world) to explain these behaviours. Participants were required to sign a consent form, and participated anonymously in the study, particularly due to the sensitive nature of the information they disclose. A convenience sample of 99 anglers was assessed. ANOVA yielded significant biographical differences in NR with regards to particular age, level of education and residential area groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that Nature Relatedness had significant predictive capacity for these environmental behaviours ( = 0.061), although the Nature Relatedness subscales did not. In conclusion it was speculated that NR might not offer a deep explanation for environmental behaviours in this group, considering a weak correlation between NR and behaviour (r = -.186) and the inability of the NR subscales to predict behaviour. Further research in this area is needed to provide more conclusive results.

The High Uinta Primitive Area, Utah's most popular high mountain recreation area, has a reputation as an excellent trout and grayling fishery. Proposed for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System, the area faces several management dilemmas. The primary problem being that managers must protect the resource from the effects of heavy recreational use without destroying the primitive and aesthetic dimensions of wilderness environment. It appears that much impact on the more accessible lakes is due to fishing use. The objectives of the study were: (1) to determine the proportions of angling to non-angling groups; (2) to describe certain characteristics of these anglers; (3) to examine the importance of fishing and factors affecting fishing enjoyment; and (4) to determine the angler's knowledge and experience with adjacent de facto wilderness alternatives. The method of data collection was an interview questionnaire administered on Highline trail leading into the Primitive area and Notch Mountain trail leading to de facto wildlands. A conservative stratified sampling scheme was used to obtain proper representation of weekday, weekend and holiday users of both areas. Results were coded and punched for computer organization and tabulation. The results indicate that slightly more than half the groups contacted were comprised of one or more fishermen planning to fish the study area; with slightly greater proportions of anglers using the Primitive area. Over half the anglers were visiting the areas for the first time and were motivated by the desire to "escape" from routine, get outdoors, and enjoy mountain scenery. Fishing was not an important motive but was a preferred activity. Anglers of the study areas fished more than average Utah fishermen and preferred high mountain lake and stream fisheries. Anglers reported high catch rates and mostly rated the fishing as "good" . Hypothetical catch reductions did not bother anglers because as many stated , "fishing was secondary". However, the dissatisfactions of less successful anglers and the angler's desire to maintain the fishery through stocking still reveal some importance in fishing activity. Anglers also appeared to be somewhat intolerant with increased crowd levels. Most anglers were inexperienced and ignorant of de facto alternatives. It appeared that decisions regarding such alternatives were partially based on Notch Mountain standards. Also, the accessibility and high amounts of dayuse suggest that different kinds of experiences may be sought in the Notch Mountain area.

The purposes of this study were to gain a better understanding of anglers and angler preferences and to examine differences between subgroups of anglers based on level of specialization. Understanding these similarities and differences between user groups will provide valuable input for more effective fisheries management. A randomized mail survey was sent to resident, adult fishing-license holders in Utah. A 68% response rate yielded 1216 usable returns for data analysis. An analysis of three recreation specialization dimensions (participation, equipment and investment, and lifestyle) and further analysis of participation and investment variables were used to develop a typology of Utah anglers. Three specialization subgroups and four typology subgroups were then compared to determine differences in motivations for fishing, preferences toward various fishing and management attributes and the desirability of available fish species. Anglers with different levels of specialization differed significantly in their motivations for fishing, preferences for fishery resource attributes and desirability ratings of available fish species. Typology subgroups were found to not differ significantly in motivations, preferences or species desirability ratings. However, level of participation (number of fishing trips taken in past year) and investment (money invested in fishing equipment) were each valuable in identifying differences in motivations and preferences, but not in species desirability ratings. By identifying sportsmen constituencies based on specialization characteristics, managers can better provide fishing opportunities consistent with angler needs. Fisheries managers will have a tool to match sportsmen with the type of setting and management strategy desired or to match the management to the sportsmen, thus maximizing satisfaction.

Nonresident angler participation in Alaskan sport fisheries has increased at a higher rate than resident participation during the past decade. Popular sport fisheries have become crowded and stakeholder groups are increasingly concerned about the future direction of Alaska sport fisheries management. To address stakeholder concerns in an informed manner, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) commissioned a market segmentation study to collect baseline information for assessing the impacts of projects and strategies that provide benefits to the angling public. I developed a 24-page mail questionnaire that was sent to a stratified random sample of 15,000 Alaska nonresident fishing license holders. Information was collected on fishing participation, fishing experience, activity-specific attitudes, motivations for fishing, as well as species and locations fished. In addition, information on setting preferences, guide use, fish exportation, and opinions on several management proposals was also collected. The response rate was 54% (exclusive of surveys that were undeliverable). A two-stage empirical clustering approach, employing Ward's method and UPGMA hierarchical clustering followed by k-means partitioning, identified five nonresident angler clusters. A combination of seven specialization and four motivation variables were used to identify angler groups. The angler segments ranged in size from 15% to 24% of the sample and had diverse characteristics including differences in frequency of participation, fishing experience and preferences, as well as motivations for fishing. Significant differences existed among angler segments with regard to Alaska fishing characteristics, such as number of days and locations fished in Alaska, number of fish transported from Alaska, attributes important in fishery site selection, and likelihood of returning to Alaska to fish. Differences in fishing characteristics, resource dependency, and preferences with regard to fishery attributes also were found among anglers participating in selected Alaska sport fisheries, as well as anglers fishing for different species within a fishery location (e.g., Kenai River). Information provided by this study will allow ADF&G to assess the relative nonresident demand for different types of angling experiences in Alaska, estimate nonresident angler response to potential management actions, and focus planning and management activities in ways that are consistent with the interests of these different angler types. Results also demonstrate the potential for fishery-based segmentation to provide fisheries managers with a more detailed understanding of nonresident angler participation at the regional and fishery level. / Master of Science

Park management at Padre Island National Seashore (PAIS) actively continues to modify the General Management Plan to maintain the safety of the increasing numbers of visitors and protect natural resources. When changes conflict with anglers' current usage of the beach, park management receives vocal opposition from local and visiting anglers who do not want their long-standing rights to the beach to be affected. To better inform management decisions and policies surrounding the beach area, this qualitative thesis research used ethnographic interviews to address the following key objectives: (1) Understand the relationship between surf anglers and the beach at PAIS, (2) Identify the main issues, concerns, needs, and expectations of the surf anglers at PAIS, (3) Describe the relationship between surf anglers and the National Park Service (NPS), and (4) Determine key areas of conflict and tension surrounding NPS management of the beach. At Padre Island National Seashore (PAIS), referred to by local anglers as "the PINS," anglers connect to the beach because of memories experienced there, a heritage of use, a sense of serenity and spirituality, and camaraderie. Those who have a long-standing relationship to the beach at the PINS, in some cases multi-generational, feel a sense of guardianship and even ownership over the beach. Many surf anglers at the PINS experience the outdoors through a family heritage of fishing, connect to others through fishing, and promote conservation practices through media, camaraderie, and local knowledge. Angler feelings towards the NPS range from distrust to an appreciation of the role of the NPS in protecting their sacred fishing place. Areas of conflict and tension stem from anglers' safety concerns, new regulations that challenge and threaten their traditional values and experiences associated with surf fishing, and a lack of communication and inclusion of anglers in the National Seashore's decision-making processes. To better manage conflict surrounding management issues on the beach at PAIS, this thesis suggests that park managers (1) reinstate public meetings; (2) utilize moderated roundtable discussion at public meetings; and (3) involve the scientific community, appropriate stakeholder groups, and angler knowledge in informing decisions and new regulations.

Föreningen Sportfiskarna samlar in statistik över fisket i Sverige för användning inom forskning och förvaltning. I och med lanseringen av applikationer för smarta telefoner har antalet inrapporterade fångster ökat och ett behov av att hantera data både till och från dessa applikationer har uppstått. Denna uppsats beskriver skapandet av Sportfiskarnas webbplats FångstDataBanken. Webbplatsens huvudsakliga syfte är att administrera informationen som finns tillgänglig i de mobila applikationerna men också att kunna hantera de inrapporterade fångsterna för statistiska ändamål. Projektets resultat är en webbplats skriven i ASP.NET MVC som tillfredsställer Sportfiskarnas behov. Webbplatsen utgör kärnan i Sportfiskarnas system för att hantera fångstrapportering och kommer att tas i bruk under sommaren 2015. / The Swedish Anglers Association (Sportfiskarna) collects statistics on fishing in Sweden for use in research and management. With the launch of applications for smart phones, the number of reported catches has increased and the need to manage data both to and from these applications has arisen. This dissertation describes the creation of Sportfiskarna’s website FångsDataBanken. The main purpose of the site is to administer the information provided in the mobile applications but also to deal with the reported catches for statistical purposes. The result of the project is a website written in ASP.NET MVC that satisfies the customer’s requirements. The site is the core of Sportfiskarna's system to manage the catch reporting and will become operational in the summer of 2015.

In the summer of 1986, anglers along three sections of the Logan and Blacksmith Fork Rivers, Utah were surveyed as to their attitudes toward fish stocking, habitat improvement, and wild trout management policies. Information concerning socio-demographic characteristics and ang ling values were ascertained as well. Data were cross tabulated to determine which of the variab les influence anglers' attitudes toward spec ifi c fisheries manage ment policies and the type of angling opportunity provided. The analysis of data s how e d differences between the types of anglers using the three sample sections. The data showed that variables such as preferred angling method, preferred water type, number of fishing trips taken this year, age, importance of keeping fish, and whether an angler emphasizes catching a large number of fish or large fish, can influence anglers ' attitudes toward fisheries management policies. The ungrouped data showed that the anglers sampled preferred: to catch brown or cutthroat trout; fish stocking to be limited to waters which have little or no natural reproduction or production; larger (14 inch) catchable size trout to be stocked even if it means a smaller number of fish will be stocked; the State to emphasize habitat improvement right along with fish stocking in their management plan; and the continuation of the policy to provide a limited amount of 11 Wild trout., regulated waters for angling variety.