Evaluating patterns and drivers of spatial change in the recreational guided fishing sector in Alaska.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the impacts of recreational fishing on habitats and species, as well as the social and ecological importance of place to anglers, requires information on the spatial distribution of fishing activities. This study documented long-term changes in core fishing areas of a major recreational fishery in Alaska and identified biological, regulatory, social, and economic drivers of spatial fishing patterns by charter operators. Using participatory mapping and in-person interviews, we characterized the spatial footprint of 46 charter operators in the communities of Sitka and Homer since the 1990s. The spatial footprint differed between Homer and Sitka respondents, with Homer operators consistently using larger areas for Pacific halibut than Sitka operators. Homer and Sitka showed oppo

SUBMITTER: Chan MN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5478146 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature