When push comes to shove in recreational fishing compliance, think ‘nudge’

Abstract

Enforcing compliance with rules and regulations in recreational fisheries has proved difficult due to factors such as the high number of participants and costs of enforcement, the absence of regular monitoring of recreational fishing activity, and the inherent difficulties in accurately determining catch levels. The effectiveness of traditional punitive deterrence is limited, yet current management is heavily reliant on this compliance approach. In this paper, the potential of behavioural based management is considered through a narrative review of the relevant literature; specifically, exploring the use of nudges, which aim through subtle changes and indirect suggestion to make certain decisions more salient, thereby improving voluntary compliance. This concept is explored with specific reference to the compliance of fishers within Australian recreational fisheries. There are only a few examples of behavioural based approaches found. However, based on their theoretical foundations, nudges may represent an inexpensive, and potentially highly effective tool for recreational fisheries management. Nudges do not offer a 'quick fix' to cases where traditional policy instruments have failed. Rather, there is the potential for behavioural nudges (based on framing, changing the physical environment, presenting default options, and social norms) to augment and complement existing deterrence regimes. A number of potential nudges for compliance management in recreational fisheries are suggested, but caution is advised. As with any novel management approach, nudges must be rigorously tested to demonstrate their cost-effectiveness and to avoid unintended consequences.

Marine recreational fishing and the implications of climate change

“…Applied research could be focused on how to enable recreational fishers to adapt to changes in species availability, such as the use of different gears, how best to promote new locations and whether fishing for specific species should be encouraged or discouraged. Some management measures could be very unpopular, and finding the best ways to encourage voluntary cooperation and minimise non‐compliance of recreational fishers should be a priority (Mackay, Jennings, Putten, Sibly, & Yamazaki, ). In many cases, recreational fishers have decades of knowledge of how fish species, size and seasonality have changed in their local area, and research which captures this local knowledge would be very valuable (e.g.…”

Reviving the unique potential of recreational fishers as environmental stewards of aquatic ecosystems

“…This process of induction and membership, in a system where success and seniority are closely tied to place‐based ecological knowledge, may reinforce environmental identity and virtuous civic engagement (Harrison & Schratwieser, 2008; List, 2018). Angler identity invokes collective moral norms that are upheld by social consequences (Bennett et al, 2018) and can be leveraged (Bova et al, 2017) or nudged (Mackay et al, 2018) to improve management participation. Of course, realized environmental behaviour depends partly on underlying personal propensities.…”

Fisheries Volume 46 Number 4 April 2021

“…Accessible metrics should be close to raw data and have few assumptions (Van Zwieten et al 2011 ;Njaya 2018 ). Users could be local experts (Prince 2003 ) or co-management groups who need an approximate impression of state to inform "nudges" in behavior (Mackay et al 2018 ).…”