Is Social Media Being Used Effectively to Educate Anglers?

Tuesday, August 23, 2016: 11:20 AM
Chouteau A (Sheraton at Crown Center)
Julie Claussen , Fisheries Conservation Foundation, Champaign, IL
Kim Stanhope , Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
Jeffrey Stein , Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
Traditionally, methods to relay information on fisheries science to the angling community relied on magazines, newsletters, displays, and events. There now exists an abundance of online sources geared specifically to the angler, including state agencies that use social media to promote license sales, tournament registration, regulation information, fishing reports, how-to guides, research updates, management decisions, etc. With the ease and accessibility of online and mobile use improving every year, what is the impact that social media communications have anglers adjusted their behaviors? Are we effectively using social media in ways that match the changing demographics of our angling population? Have these new methods of engagement affected retention? This talk will investigate these questions and evaluate the online communication techniques that have had the greatest impact on angler recruitment and retention.