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Attributes that Characterize Angling Rivers of Importance in New Zealand, Based on Angler Use and Perceptions
Author(s) -
Teirney L. D.,
Richardson J.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8675(1992)012<0693:atcaro>2.3.co;2
Subject(s) - fishery , fishing , salmo , trout , rainbow trout , oncorhynchus , fish <actinopterygii> , brown trout , catch and release , geography , recreational fishing , biology
To gather information on angler use and perceptions, and to identify the attributes that characterize rivers of importance, a nationwide postal survey involving 774 New Zealand angling rivers was conducted. Of 254 rivers for which 20 or more responses were received, all supported populations of trout (rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss , brown trout Salmo trutta , or both) and 11 supported sea‐run stocks of chinook (quinnat) salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha as well as trout. Angler use and perceptions about the quality of fishing were evaluated for each of the 254 rivers. In addition to ratings for overall importance, ratings for seven other factors important in determining the quality of angling experiences were obtained for each river: distance from home, ease of access, area of fishable water, scenic beauty, peace and solitude, catch rate, and size offish. No relationship was found between the amount of angler use and overall importance for trout rivers. Overall importance was related to high catch rates, large fish, extensive fishable water, and peaceful, scenic surroundings. In contrast, surroundings played an insignificant role in the overall importance of salmon rivers. Salmon rivers were valued primarily for the sheer size of the fish, and there was a strong positive relationship between overall importance and angler use.