Small‐scale estimation of recreational fishing effort and catch from broad‐scale survey data: A case study using multiple‐use Marine Protected Areas in Western Australia

Authors

Claire B. Smallwood, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow
Karina L. Ryan, Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-29-2022

Journal Title

Fisheries Management and Ecology

ISSN

0969-997X

Keywords

boat-based, broad-scale recreational fisheries, small-scale recreational fisheries, effort and catch data, survey data, Marine protected areas

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries

Abstract

Sustainability assessment and management evaluation of broad-scale recreational fisheries are routinely informed using effort and catch data sourced from recurring offsite surveys. Similar information is often required for small-scale recreational fisheries and other spatial management areas. Data from four state-wide recreational fishing surveys in Western Australia were evaluated using grid- and location-based direct estimation approaches to determine whether effort and total catch could be estimated robustly for small-scale geographical areas. Marine protected areas (MPAs) were selected as case studies, and robustness of the various approaches was assessed based on acceptable sample size and uncertainty. Effort and total catch (number retained and released across all species) were robustly estimated for 19 MPAs. Total catch was also robustly estimated for 32 teleost species across multiple MPAs. Robust estimates were less likely for offshore MPAs than coastal MPAs, with lower sample sizes associated with greater distance from boat ramps and population centres. Grid-based approaches were therefore generally more appropriate for offshore MPAs, while location-based approaches were more appropriate for coastal MPAs. This study demonstrates how existing monitoring of broad-scale recreational fisheries fulfils a need for similar data in small-scale recreational fisheries, thereby allowing for the efficient use of resources that benefit fisheries management and conservation objectives.

Recommended Citation

Smallwood, C B, and Ryan, K L. (2022), Small‐scale estimation of recreational fishing effort and catch from broad‐scale survey data: A case study using multiple‐use Marine Protected Areas in Western Australia. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 29 (5), 560-574.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/fr_fja/4