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Assessing recreational fisheries in an emerging economy: Knowledge,perceptions and attitudes of catch-and-release anglers in India.

Gupta, N., Raghavan, R., Sivakumar, K., Mathur, V. and Pinder, A. C., 2015. Assessing recreational fisheries in an emerging economy: Knowledge,perceptions and attitudes of catch-and-release anglers in India. Fisheries Research, 165, 79 - 84.

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DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2015.01.004

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Across the globe, catch-and-release (C&R) angling represents a leisure activity indulged by millions. The practice of C&R is commonly advocated by conservation managers because of its potential to protect local fish populations from a range of anthropogenic threats, including over-fishing. In India, C&R angling in fresh waters has a history dating back to colonial times. Despite this, little is known about the current state of the sector. To address this, an online web-based survey was conducted to target C&R anglers who fish in Indian rivers to assess their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions relating to the status of India's freshwater C&R fisheries. From a total of 148 responses, factors such as angling quality (score of 4.6/5.0); aesthetics of surroundings (4.6/5.0), presence of other wildlife (4.4/5.0), fishery management practices (4.6/5.0) and socioeconomic benefits (4.4/5.0) were evaluated. Over 65% (n = 148) of the anglers reported an observed decrease in the quality of fishing (e.g. a reduction in the size and/or numbers of fish available for capture). Respondents also considered deforestation (score of 4.2/5.0), water abstraction (4.4/5.0), pollution (4.4/5.0), hydropower projects (4.2/5.0) and destructive fishing techniques (4.7/5.0) as factors which threaten both the habitat and species they target. C&R practitioners were largely united regarding the benefits and willingness to contribute both their time and financial input to support conservation initiatives (score of 4.7/5.0). The current study provides the first overview of the status of C&R angling in India and explores challenges, opportunities, and priorities for future resource management.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:0165-7836
Uncontrolled Keywords:Mahseer; Conservation; Asia; Developing country; Freshwater; Sport fishing
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:23328
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:23 Mar 2016 10:24
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 13:55

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