Abstract:
Apparent failure of traditional management approaches to stall declines of
economically important fish populations has led to new management approaches
including marine protected areas (MPAs). Recreational organizations and associations
are not pleased with management’s proposed use of MPAs. A pilot study was conducted
to address the perception of recreational fishermen including the level of awareness of
MPAs among recreational fishermen and their attitudes and concerns towards MPAs.
My finding show the majority of recreational fishermen are in support of MPAs but have
reservations with no-take areas. The respondents were knowledgeable in the benefits of
MPAs but incompletely understood the designation process. I recommend that managers
devise an outreach plan to educate recreational fishermen about MPAs and help to open a
dialog with this user group and conservation groups on how to best employ MPAs to
address both conservation and recreational fishing needs.
