The Human Dimensions of Recreational Anglers Targeting Freshwater Species in Coastal Ecosystems, with Implications for Management

Little is known about whether brackish coastal ecosystems attract specific angler types that are characterized by site-specific preferences and behaviors while targeting freshwater fishes living in a low-salinity environment. Using the lagoon (“Bodden”) fisheries northeastern Germany, we compared human dimensions among anglers fishing Bodden sites, primarily other, less-setting-specialized use both marine fisheries. Data were generated from 1-year telephone–mail–diary study involving over 1,000 participants. The general characteristics, demographics, specialization level, motives, catch orientation, catch-and-release of three groups rather similar. However, when fish (i.e., Eurasian Perch Perca fluviatilis, Northern Pike Esox lucius, Zander [also as Pikeperch] Sander lucioperca), motives choosing versus sites differed. Specifically, species waters more oriented, trophy challenge seeking to anglers. also likely with friends than alone other groups, they motorboats take guides Correspondingly, revealed preference choice model showed expecting high outcomes social experiences boat select relative sites. Additionally, stronger orientation toward noncatch, experience-based aspects freshwater, suggesting satisfy catch- non-catch-related expectations. We suggest given their will be particularly sensitive constraints imposed on using declines rates sizes catch, specifically for Pike.