Document Type

Paper

Publication Date

4-24-2020

Advisor

Jean Lavigne

Abstract

This study explores Minnesota’s current angling culture and how it may be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. The state’s current angling culture is centered around catching walleye (Sander vitreus), the state fish. The species has rightfully earned its reputation amongst anglers, but the impacts associated with its popularity may be negative. This research looks primarily at which factors of the angling culture are detrimental and where anglers and fisheries managers need to make improvements. The current motivations and practices of anglers cannot continue, as walleye abundance is on the decline due to angling pressure and hydrological changes. Walleye are not the problem, but rather the collective act of aggressive species-specific angling. The purpose of this study is to find solutions that will lead to the change of perceptions and practices in the angling community. These solutions will need to include efforts from both anglers and fisheries agencies to increase angler knowledge through education, increase the regulation of walleye and other sensitive species, and incentivize other species. These will help anglers move from targeting only one species to fishing for multiple species with the motivation for having an outdoor experience. There are many obstacles to these solutions since walleye drives angler participation and maintains agency trust. However, once an angler culture shift is accomplished our lake resources will transition from being commodities to healthy fisheries for future generations. This study explores Minnesota’s current angling culture and how it may be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. The state’s current angling culture is centered around catching walleye (Sander vitreus), the state fish. The species has rightfully earned its reputation amongst anglers, but the impacts associated with its popularity may be negative. This research looks primarily at which factors of the angling culture are detrimental and where anglers and fisheries managers need to make improvements. The current motivations and practices of anglers cannot continue, as walleye abundance is on the decline due to angling pressure and hydrological changes. Walleye are not the problem, but rather the collective act of aggressive species-specific angling. The purpose of this study is to find solutions that will lead to the change of perceptions and practices in the angling community. These solutions will need to include efforts from both anglers and fisheries agencies to increase angler knowledge through education, increase the regulation of walleye and other sensitive species, and incentivize other species. These will help anglers move from targeting only one species to fishing for multiple species with the motivation for having an outdoor experience. There are many obstacles to these solutions since walleye drives angler participation and maintains agency trust. However, once an angler culture shift is accomplished our lake resources will transition from being commodities to healthy fisheries for future generations.

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