How to fish? Key factors influencing the probability of choosing a recreational fishing modality

A fishing policy oriented to influencing the behavior of recreational fishermen requires, as a first step, an analysis of the variables affecting their fishing habits in order to establish actions aimed at reducing the impact of this extractive activity. The main objective of this study is to increase existing knowledge concerning recreational fishing by analyzing the key factors that are behind the choice of a fishing modality by each fisherman. This involves investigating the reasons which induce them to switch between different fishing modalities: shore fishing, boat fishing or spearfishing. Data were collected to obtain information about socio-economic aspects, target species and captures of recreational fishermen in the Canary Islands. Information was obtained through face-to-face interviews carried out between April and November 2010. Multinomial models were fitted to identify which variables could determine the choice of a fishing modality. Our model predicts that any policy that increases the cost of the fishing journey would negatively affect the probability that an angler chooses fishing from a boat or spearfishing, but it has almost no effect on the probability of fishing from the shore. However, increasing the price of fishing licenses per se did not affect the behavior of recreational fishermen. The results could have several policy and management implications. Beyond this economic measure, education is drawn as a very useful tool for influencing the behavior of fishermen.