Do angler's tell the truth? Examining revealed and state preferences for conservation

Abstract

There are many reasons an angler might release a particular fish species that was caught. The angler may choose to release a fish because it is not suitable for consumption; the angler may be forced to release the fish due to regulations, or may choose to release the fish voluntarily for conservation reasons. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) collects catch and effort data from recreational anglers through its Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS), including information on released fish and the reason for release. Through a series of economic add-on surveys to the base MRFSS, NMFS has collected preference data on the above conservation decision. A system of probit models was used to analyze the decision to actually release a fish for conservation purposes contingent on the angler’s stated preference for conservation. The results showed that while the stated preference strongly and positively influences behavior, there is a disconnect between these factors.

Source: Gentner, B. In press. "Do angler's tell the truth? Examining revealed and state preferences for conservation." Proceedings of the 4th World Fisheries Congress. May 2004. Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

For more information, please contact: Sabrina Lovell