Recreation Specialization, Knowledge, and Management Support Among Striped Bass Anglers in Southern New England

The relationship among specialization in recreational fishing for striped bass, local ecological knowledge, and support for hypothetical policy changes was examined in the Western Atlantic striped bass recreational fishery. Results of an online survey of anglers from Massachusetts and Connecticut reveals distinct categories of anglers based on specialization in recreational striped bass fishing. Level of recreation specialization does not appear to influence support for policy changes but does suggest a positive relationship to anglers’ knowledge of striped bass feeding ecology. Furthermore, knowledge of fish maturity is positively correlated with support for management changes, while other aspects of local ecological knowledge such as the feeding ecology and growth of striped bass do not influence supportiveness. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms that form the perceptions of anglers and identifies key points of focus for future policies and outreach efforts aimed at advancing the knowledge and environmental awareness of anglers.