Closing recreational fishing areas for shorter times could benefit fish and fishermen
Thursday, May 26, 2011 - 10:30
in Biology & Nature
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new model that analyzes the complex factors involved in recreational fishing has shown that modeling can lead to some unforeseen results. Among the models surprising conclusions is that, under low fishing pressure in a coral reef ecosystem, closing fishing areas for two months instead of six months can result in larger fish stocks and better fishing opportunities. The model, which simulates the impact of recreational fishing on fish stocks, the economic welfare of recreational anglers, and the surrounding coral reef environment, by incorporating a variety of factors and feedback effects, could be useful for formulating the best strategy for managing recreational fishing areas.
