Experience counts: Integrating spearfishers’ skills and knowledge in the evaluation of biological and ecological impacts

Abstract

Fishing experience and skills are not commonly considered in recreational fishery studies. To analyse potential different biological/ecological impacts of three experience levels of spearfishers (novice, intermediate and experienced), access point surveys were conducted over a period of 10 months in São Miguel Island (Azores archipelago). Groups differed in terms of catch rate and composition, species size and vulnerability (i.e. intrinsic vulnerability index of fishes to fishing). Experienced spearfishers explored different areas along the island coast, fished deeper and farther off shore, were more selective regarding fish size and target species, reached higher catch weights and had catches with a higher mean index of vulnerability. Results suggest that catch composition and rate not only depend on fish community and ecosystem health, but also on the expertise of the fishers who operate in a given area. Consequently, scientific studies should consider fishers’ experience in the survey design and data analysis to not over‐ or underestimate their potential impact.

Spearfishing in Portugal: A baseline study on spearfishers’ profiles, habits and perceptions towards management measures

“…Previous studies have also observed dimensions as escape routine, relaxation or nature/outdoor enjoyment as the main reasons for taking part on the activity (e.g., Chipman & Helfrich, ; Dawson & Wilkins, ; Frijlink & Lyle, ; Ormsby, ). Knowing the main motivations that drive spearfishers to pursue the activity is an important aspect for management purposes, as it allows managers to tailor the regulations that best address both the fisheries resources conditions, and needs and expectations of all types of sub‐groups of fishers (Chipman & Helfrich, ; Diogo & Pereira, ; Diogo et al., ; Frijlink & Lyle, ; Gigliotti & Peyton, ). Note, however, that even though the questionnaire did not include economic reasons as a motivation for fishing, illegal trade of recreational catches may be an important issue in particular areas (Diogo & Pereira, ; Diogo et al., ).…”

“…Knowing the main motivations that drive spearfishers to pursue the activity is an important aspect for management purposes, as it allows managers to tailor the regulations that best address both the fisheries resources conditions, and needs and expectations of all types of sub‐groups of fishers (Chipman & Helfrich, ; Diogo & Pereira, ; Diogo et al., ; Frijlink & Lyle, ; Gigliotti & Peyton, ). Note, however, that even though the questionnaire did not include economic reasons as a motivation for fishing, illegal trade of recreational catches may be an important issue in particular areas (Diogo & Pereira, ; Diogo et al., ). The overall magnitude of the illegal recreational fishing is nonetheless unknown.…”

“…Portugal has a high number of recreational fishers, with on average 175,000 recreational fishing licences issued per year between 2007 and 2015, of which ≈ 13,500 are spearfishers (DGRM, ). Despite this relatively high number of practitioners, information on recreational fishing catch and effort is limited for most areas and fishing modes and there is no periodic monitoring of catches made for recreation, sport or subsistence (Veiga et al., , ), and most studies are relatively recent (since 2000) and dispersed spatially (e.g., Barreiros, ; Diogo, ; Diogo & Pereira, ,b, , ; Diogo, Pereira & Schmiing, ; Guerreiro, Veiga & Erzini, ; Rangel & Erzini, ; Veiga et al., , ). This information, albeit relatively limited, has led to the development and implementation of precautionary management measures, such as the creation of several no‐take Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), where specific rules have been implemented for spearfishing (see Bertocci, Dominguez, Freitas & Sousa‐Pinto, ; Carneiro, ; Vasco‐Rodrigues et al., ; Veiga et al., ).…”

Behaviour of recreational spearfishers and its impacts on corals

“…Young and inexperienced practitioners are generally very competitive in order to gain the respect and admiration of their peers (Young, Foale, & Belwood, ). In the same way, Pinheiro and Joyeux () and Diogo, Pereira, and Schmiing () verified that novice spearfishers were less selective in their fish targets. Thus, as novice spearfishers shoot with higher frequency than experienced ones, the number of contacts with corals increases.…”

Spearfishing promotes a timidity syndrome and increases the safe operating distances in fish

“…Spearfishing constitutes an 73 active fishing mode sharing similarities to hunting because spearfishers are able to visually 74 target and select their prey (Dalzell, 1996). The size-selectivity of spearfishing depends on the 75 hunting technique (shelter seeking, ambush, sit-and-wait or direct approach) and is related to the 76 fisher's experience (Diogo et al, 2017). Similar to trophy hunting (e.g.…”