Tobin, Renae (2005) Competition and conflict between recreational and commercial gillnet fishers in north Queensland estuaries: perception or reality? Fishing for More: A student-stakeholder workshop on the biology, ecology, sociology and economics of fisheries, 1. pp. 84-108.

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Abstract

Conflict between recreational and commercial fishers resulting from competition for shared fish stocks is a significant concern in the management of fisheries resources throughout Australia, with each sector calling for tighter restrictions on the activities of the other. In north Queensland, competition for a share of the barramundi resource is apparent through numerous media articles outlining opinions of both sectors. Opinions expressed in the media can influence decisions by managers and politicians who allocate and distribute access to fisheries resources, though usually it is not known whether such opinions are representative of the general fishing population. To address this uncertainty, a questionnaire program was implemented for recreational line fishers and commercial gillnet fishers. Questions focussed on fishers’ perceptions about competition and conflict between the sectors, their view and knowledge of their own and the competing sectors’ impacts, and their suggested solutions to competition. Results indicate that fishers from each sector holds negative opinions of the competing sector, and positive opinions of their own sector, perhaps indicating a likelihood for blame for negative outcomes, such as declines in catches. Negative opinions, however, appear to be based on perceptions that are not supported by scientific research, suggesting that correct information about fishing impacts of each sector is failing to reach the general fishing public. Solutions suggested by respondents include improving education and communication within and between sectors, or segregating the sectors via Recreational Only Fishing Areas (ROFAs). Overall, results suggest that current conflict between sectors may be eased through increased education and communication, highlighting the importance of social research into such situations.

Item ID:	8558
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
Keywords:	conflict; fisheries; recreational only fishing areas
Related URLs:	http://www.reef.crc.org.au/publications/...
Funders:	CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd.
Date Deposited:	22 Feb 2010 23:11
FoR Codes:	07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0704 Fisheries Sciences > 070403 Fisheries Management @ 100%
SEO Codes:	83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8302 Fisheries - Wild Caught > 830201 Fisheries Recreational @ 50% 83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8302 Fisheries - Wild Caught > 830204 Wild Caught Fin Fish (excl. Tuna) @ 50%
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