180 likes | 289 Views
Understanding the Experiences and Preferences of Utah Anglers: Preliminary Findings from a 2011 Survey of Resident and Nonresident License Purchasers. Joe Unger Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University. Outline. Introduction/Survey Methods Goals and Objectives
E N D
Understanding the Experiences and Preferences of Utah Anglers: Preliminary Findings from a 2011 Survey of Resident and Nonresident License Purchasers Joe Unger Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Utah State University
Outline • Introduction/Survey Methods • Goals and Objectives • Results • Implications for Management/Conclusion
Introduction/Survey Methods • Online attitudinal survey utilizing Survey Monkey software • Survey sent to 10,000 participants who bought a 2011 Utah fishing or fishing/hunting combination license From January 1-November 30, 2011. • Used modified Dillman method with one prenotification, survey message, and two reminder notices.
Goals and Objectives • Understand preferences of anglers • Site, method, type of fish • Understand environmental attitudes of anglers • Native fish, T&E species, riparian corridor health • Understand environmental knowledge of anglers • Test knowledge about native fish species and AIS control methods
Survey Results • 2,165 responses • 1,713 Resident • 452 Nonresident • 563 undeliverable or refused • Adjusted response rate 22.94% • 91% indicated they have fished in the past two years and asked to continue with survey • Demographic Data: • 92% Male • 96% White • 90% under the age of 65
Basic Information • Most anglers want to catch cold water species • Rainbow trout #1 • Most fished less than 20 days in the past year • Overall, respondents reported similar amounts of time spent bait fishing, fly fishing, and spin fishing • Lakes and reservoirs are the preferred fishing areas of most anglers in Utah. • A majority (>50% in all categories) would support more restrictive regulations to improve fishing in the Utah.
Environmental Preferences/Awareness • Almost all (>75%) believe native fish are important to the ecosystem. • Less than half believe DWR is doing a good job at managing native fish populations. • Most (>60%) believe riparian areas are crucial for fish habitat. • Most (approx. 70%) are aware of Utah’s AIS control program.
Management Implications • Most popular sportfish are nonnative species • Continue to support native fish species • Continue to restore riparian corridors • More education on native fish species and AIS management