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Research Document - 2013/036

Attitudes and Management Preferences of Anglers Fishing for Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, on the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

By R.C. Perry, D.G. Keefe, and W. Penney

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine angler attitudes and management preferences for fishing brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador. It was conducted in response to concerns brought forward by a local conservation group, the Salmonid Association of Eastern Newfoundland (SAEN), who alleged that brook trout stocks on the Avalon Peninsula had declined in quality and that the angling community wanted changes to the current brook trout regulations in the area. Results indicated that although anglers feel that the fishery has declined over time, it does not warrant a change to the current angling regulations. The majority of respondents (69 %) were satisfied with the current regulations, while 70 % disagreed with any bag limit reductions. Furthermore, responses to motivational questions indicated that non-catch related activities were more important than catch related activities. Written comments indicate that anglers attribute the fisheries decline to inadequate enforcement and not to inappropriate regulations. Due to a lack of public interest, we recommend that there should be no attempt to modify regulations for the Avalon Peninsula.

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