What determines fishers’ knowledge of and attitudes towards regulations? A case study from the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

• Published in: Marine policy 2015-01, Vol.51, p.547-554
• Main Authors: Thomas, Alyssa S., Milfont, Taciano L., Gavin, Michael C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustics; Attitudes; Blue cod; Case studies; Decision-making; Experience and residency influence; Fish; Fisheries; Fishery management; Fishing; Knowledge; Management; Marine; New Zealand; Recreational fishing; Regulation; Regulation knowledge; Regulations; Satisfaction; Surveys
• ISSN: 0308-597X; 1872-9460
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2014.09.024

Fisher attitudes and the factors that shape them are still poorly understood, especially in recreational fisheries, despite their potential influence on compliance behaviour. In addition to the standard size and daily limits common in recreational fisheries, recreational fishers of the blue cod fishery in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds are presented with two other unique restrictions. Blue cod must not be filleted while at sea and any fish caught elsewhere must still meet the Marlborough Sounds’ size and daily limits if transported through this area. An intercept survey explored fishers’ knowledge of and attitudes towards these two regulations in addition to potential influences on their satisfaction with the regulations. Results showed that while overall fishers are dissatisfied with the current regulations, both knowledge and attitudes differed between the specific rules examined. Furthermore, the most experienced and locally resident fishers displayed higher levels of knowledge but more negative attitudes towards regulations. Regulation influence on fishing habits and satisfaction with the fishing also differed between groups. A greater identification of these factors could assist fisheries management in increasing fisher satisfaction with regulations but also poses challenges in implementing rules that the majority of fishers will accept. •High level of knowledge about applicable regulations.•Overall fishers are dissatisfied with the suite of regulations.•However, fisher satisfaction differed between the two rules studied.•Local fishing experience and residency influenced both knowledge and attitude.•Regulation influence on fishing habits and satisfaction also varied between groups.