A review of the social, motivational and experiential characteristics of recreational anglers from Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef Region

Abstract

Recreational fishing is a popular leisure time activity for many Queenslanders. With an increase in fishing effort along the Queensland coastline, fisheries managers are continuously faced with the challenge of conserving fish stocks and the environment that sustains them, whilst ensuring equitable resource allocations between sector groups. The Queensland Fisheries Management Authority and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority recognise that recreational anglers are an important sector of Queensland’s fishing population. As part of the development of a Recreational Fishing Information System (RFISH), the Queensland Fisheries Management Authority and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority investigated the social, motivational and experiential aspects of recreational fishing by anglers from Queensland. Information gathered will provide a greater insight into the needs and preferences of recreational anglers whilst building a database from which effective decisions can be made.