Modelling anglers' fish release choices using logbook data

ABSTRACT

In this paper we model recreational anglers' decisions to voluntarily release their catch to improve fish stock conservation. Using a random utility framework, we compare anglers' utility of retaining and consuming fish versus increased stock conservation achieved by fish releases. The analysis is based on a dataset of fish landings from anglers fishing for salmon and sea trout in Ireland during the seasons 2010–2016. Results indicate that there is a statistically significant inverse association between the weight of a fish and the probability of release, with larger fish more likely to be retained for consumption. On average, anglers were willing to sacrifice around 2.5 kg of fish to improve conservation of salmon and sea trout stocks, with a median value of 1.48. Results also indicate that the release probability varies based on fishing methods, with the use of spinners, fly-fishing and shrimps as bait to be more likely to be used for catch and release and live bait (i.e. worms) to retain the fish. Licence types and anglers' nationality are also important variables explaining release probability.

KEYWORDS:

• Sustainable angling
• catch and release
• non-market valuation
• Salmo salar
• revealed preferences

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to IFI for providing access to anonymised logbook data returns and thanks to Kealan O'Higgins and Paul O'Reilly who provided assistance with the data.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Gianluca Grilli http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2082-4475

John Curtis http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6957-5684

Stephen Hynes http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3670-0178

Notes

1 In some cases anglers may depart from this basic assumption and decide to release big fish because they are likely to carry many eggs, which can be considered a warm glow effect (Nunes and Schokkaert 2003).

2 Confidence intervals were estimated using the Krinsky-Robb simulation method using 10,000 random draws (Krinsky and Robb 1986).

3 e.g. Accounting for probabilities associated with post-release mortality, prediation, spawning, smolt survival and survival and sea to return to spawn.

4 At lease some of the non-nutritional benefits associated with harvesting fish, e.g. photos with large or trophy fish, are also feasible if the fished is released.

5 This model is available upon request.

Additional information

Funding

Funding from Inland Fisheries Ireland is gratefully acknowledged.