The Emergence and Use of Angler Self-Reporting Apps in Recreational Fisheries

Abstract

Angler self-reporting is a citizen-science based approach of using cell phone apps as a means to collect precise recreational angling data. In recent years, state and federal managers, recreational anglers, and environmental NGOs have expressed keen interest in expanding the use of angler self-reporting in recreational fisheries management. In order for citizen science to succeed in recreational fisheries, anglers must collect measurable, high quality data that can be used in fisheries management. Using a theoretical framework of citizen science best practices from the citizen science literature, the current status of angler self-reporting programs was reviewed through stakeholder interviews. Semi-structured were conducted with two angler self-reporting apps, one for-profit social fishing app, and seven fisheries scientists at the federal and state levels. Results indicate that current efforts to use angler self-reporting do not appear to maintain angler engagement and also do not produce quality data required for use in fisheries management. Responses also suggest that some stakeholders seek to change behavior with angler self-reporting apps. Results from the interviews lead to the conclusion that practitioners may find more success in using apps to implement innovative management structures as opposed to using angler self-reporting to achieve behavior change.