Engaging Anglers in Exploring Spatially-Explicit Snook Management

Stakeholder engagement is important in natural resource management, and research has shown that involving stakeholders often leads to better management outcomes. As such, stakeholder inclusion has been central in an initiative exploring spatially-explicit management of Florida’s snook fishery. To begin, pilot information was gathered using qualitative interviews with stakeholders in southwestern Florida. Interview results indicated frustration with and distrust of fisheries management in Florida, with mixed levels of support for spatially-explicit management. Next, three in-depth workshops were conducted in two pilot locations: Charlotte Harbor and Sarasota Bay. In Workshop I participants identified characteristics unique to their region and local influences on fisheries health. During Workshop II participants created timelines of local snook abundance, which were then compared to the scientific data. During timeline creation, participants identified factors influencing local snook populations as well as indicators used to assess snook. The information gathered throughout the first two workshops informed creation of a spatially-explicit model for snook; this model was presented back to stakeholders during Workshop III. Overall, stakeholders had mixed views on spatially-explicit management, though concerns mostly centered on enforcement difficulties. Workshop evaluations indicated participants felt their input was heard and valued, and most indicated desire for further participation.