Incorporating Recreational Fishing Goals into Fisheries Management
There is increasing recognition that a dedicated systems model is needed to properly include recreational fishing interests in fisheries management. This model would provide a structured way for fisheries managers and recreational stakeholders to work together, ensuring the unique goals and drivers of the recreational fishing sector are clearly understood and integrated.
The model aims to support collaboration through robust consultation and technical processes. It would help define what matters most to recreational fishers, agree on baseline data and monitoring needs, and guide the creation of management tools that reflect these shared priorities.
The research will also focus on presenting a formal process to help ensure recreational fishing objectives are well thought out and can be systematically integrated into fisheries management.
Addressing these gaps is expected to lead to stronger, more effective fisheries management plans—plans that not only meet broader sustainability goals but also have the backing of all key stakeholders.
Research Leadership and Approach
The project is being led by Professor Sean Tracey from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). According to Professor Tracey, the research offers an important opportunity to improve how recreational fishing objectives are captured in management frameworks.
“We’ve partnered with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) to deeply engage with the recreational fishing community,” Professor Tracey said. “Our goal is to develop a solid understanding of their values, goals, and motivations. From there, we’ll look at what needs to be in place to support clear and consistent objective setting.”
Danny Simpson, ARFF co-investigator on the project further explains why the project is needed.
“While there has been progress in Australia in recognising recreational fishing in fisheries management, some states are more progressed than others, and none, as yet, have landed an effective approach that satisfactorily achieves the objective.”
A Practical Outcome for the Sector
The main result of the project will be the development and proposal of a systems model that outlines the process for setting recreational fishing objectives as a first step in shared fisheries management planning. The model will promote clear guidelines, reference points, and criteria to help both managers and stakeholders move forward confidently into management planning with a shared understanding.
By laying this foundation, the sector will be better equipped to support fisheries policies that are inclusive, evidence-based, and widely supported.