Spatial distribution and zoning compliance of recreational fishing in Ningaloo Marine Park, north-western Australia

Abstract

1Recreational fishing is often permitted in multiple-use marine parks and, to ensure a 2 balance with biodiversity conservation, sanctuary (no-take) zones are frequently 3 demarcated. However, compliance with such measures is rarely quantified. Aerial and 4 land-based coastal observation surveys were conducted within Ningaloo Marine Park, 5 north-western Australia, with the aim of identifying the spatio-temporal distribution of 6 recreational fishing as well as quantifying participation and zoning compliance. During 7 aerial and coastal surveys, a recreational activity type was identified for 73% and 65% 8 of the vessels observed, respectively. About 16-17% of vessels were identified as being 9 engaged in recreational fishing and, of these, 8-12% were observed while fishing in 10 sanctuary zones. For people undertaking shore-based recreation, identification of 11 activity type increased to 97% for aerial surveys and 100% for land-based surveys. 12 Participation in recreational fishing was 9% for both survey methods and 2-4% of these 13 fishers were observed in sanctuary zones. Peak visitor months (April -October) had a 14 wider spatial distribution and higher density of shore and vessel-based fishers. 15Interviews with recreational fishers enabled collection of data about knowledge of 16 zoning, and compliance with bag and size limits. For repeat visitors, 87% could 17 correctly identify the location of the nearest sanctuary zone; for first time visitors this 18 dropped to 52%. About 75% of both visitor types stated that these zones had not 19 affected their fishing activity. No fishers had reached their bag limit and only two 20 undersized fish were recorded in the examined catches. The multi-faceted survey 21 approach revealed that aerial and coastal surveys produced similar data on non-22 compliance. Such data can be used to develop site-specific enforcement and education 23 activities as well as providing support for planning and management of marine parks. 24 25

Unexpectedly high catch-and-release rates in European marine recreational fisheries: implications for science and management

“…Educational programmes have been widely recommended to increase anglers' awareness of regulations (e.g. MLS), potentially shape moral attitudes and values, increase the release proportions of undersized fish, and promote better handling and release procedures (Raakjaer Nielsen and Mathiesen, 2003;Cooke and Suski, 2005;Edison et al, 2006;Lewin et al, 2006;Smallwood and Beckley, 2012;Veiga et al, 2013). One example of improved angling practice and the importance of correct angler education in C&R fisheries is the use of circle hooks.…”

Lack of recreational fishing compliance may compromise effectiveness of Rockfish Conservation Areas in British Columbia

“…Smallwood and Beckley (2012) measured compliance in an Australian MPA using aerial and boat-based surveys. They found that aerial and coastal surveys yielded similar results; however, they identified 6.…”

“…Similarly, compliance levels reported by resource users and population density were the best predictors of reserve effectiveness in a study of 56 tropical marine reserves (Pollnac et al 2010). However, despite their importance for recovery, compliance rates are rarely quantified (Sethi and Hilborn 2008;Smallwood and Beckley 2012), and when compliance is measured, most data are qualitative (anecdotal or expert opinion) and direct empirical observations are rare (Bergseth et al 2015).…”

“…For example, Smallwood and Beckley (2012) found that 8%-12% of recreational boats were fishing in closed zones in Australian MPAs. Ten percent of recreational fishers involved in a questionnaire using the random response technique in Australia admitted to fishing in closed areas (Arias and Sutton 2013).…”

Evaluation of geostatistical estimators and their applicability to characterise the spatial patterns of recreational fishing catch rates

“…Snapper has a wide distribution across the western Indo-Pacific region (Smallwood et al, 2013). In the study region, it can exhibit spawning aggregations and the juveniles occupy sheltered coastal waters prior to migrating to deeper, more offshore waters (Smallwood et al, 2013). Baldchin groper is endemic to the southern west coast of Australia.…”