Detecting Noncompliance in the Summer Flounder Recreational Fishery Using a Mark–Recapture Growth Model

Abstract

We used a mark–recapture growth model to investigate recreational angler compliance with minimum length regulations in a popular Chesapeake Bay fishery. Angler noncompliance can severely degrade the ability of fishery managers to avoid overexploitation and to achieve objectives of rebuilding plans. To discern noncompliance in the recreational fishery for Summer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus, we fitted a growth model to 3,474 recapture records from a tagging study conducted by volunteer anglers in Virginia from 2000 to 2011. Most of the tagged fish were small (i.e., sublegal size), and the average time at liberty was 86 d. Based on the growth model, Summer Flounder growth patterns changed at 34.7 cm, possibly representing the length at which the majority of fish reach maturity. The mean size of harvested fish increased in response to increases in the minimum size limit, although harvest of sublegal fish continued. Throughout the 12 years of the study, 33–79% of the tagged fish that were recaptured and harvested were predicted to be sublegal based on the growth model. The percentage of sublegal fish that were harvested increased dramatically when large (≥5 cm) increases in minimum size limits were implemented. We conclude that Virginia recreational anglers responded to management regulations by adjusting the minimum size of harvested fish but that some anglers continued to harvest sublegal fish.

Received April 9, 2013; accepted June 18, 2013

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the many people who developed, maintained, and participated in the VGFTP. In particular, we thank Jon Lucy (VIMS), Claude Bain III (VMRC), Susanna Musick (VIMS), Lewis Gillingham (VMRC), Todd Sperling (VMRC), and Ann Burnet (VMRC). This manuscript benefited from comments by Rob Latour (VIMS), Tracey Sutton (VIMS), Harry Wang (VIMS), Steve Cadrin (University of Massachusetts Amherst), and Susanna Musick (VIMS). This work was completed with funding from VIMS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sea Grant Population Dynamics Fellowship to M.J.H. This paper is Contribution Number 3309 of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, The College of William and Mary.