Volume 58

Human Dimensions of the Texas Saltwater Angler Population from 1989-2005: A Longitudinal Perspective


Authors
Yung-Ping, T., R.B. Ditton
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Date: November, 2005


Pages: 516-517


Event: Proceedings of the Fifty Eighth Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute


City: San Andres


Country: Colombia

Abstract

This paper focuses on selected human dimensions indicators of the Texas recreational fishery using a longitudinal analysis. Six statewide angler survey data sets (1989, 1990, 1993, 1998, 2002, and 2005) were used to analyze selected human dimensional indicators. Three groups of variables were included Sociodemographic, Recreation Behavior, and Resource Use indicators. By monitoring these indicators over time, managers and researchers can understand previous human dimensions trends in saltwater fishing over a 16-years period and perhaps the future. From a longitudinal perspective, some indicators demonstrated temporal stability while others showed fluctuation. The Index of Qualitative Variation (IQV) was applied to measure the variability (or diversity) for nominal variables. The index indicates the amount of diversity and varies from 0.00 to 1.00. A major trend for sociodemographic variables was a decrease in the female saltwater angler population over time. The major downward trend in female saltwater fishing population was demonstrated with a significant IQV decrease (from 0.625 to 0.487). The percent of Spanish or Hispanic origin anglers in the saltwater angler population has increased over time. Likewise, recreation behavior indicators (experience and skill variables) have also demonstrated a positive trend in that saltwater anglers have more experience and rate themselves as more skilled over time. Self-assessed skill improved steadily over the last decade. This suggests there are more high specialization (higher levels of skill, experience, and commitment) anglers in the Texas saltwater angler population than previously. Also, there was a trend towards an angler preference for one particular species, red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). The continuing preference for a single species in saltwater fishing is worthy of management attention because this species is currently being enhanced with hatcheries. While the extent of angler satisfaction has been high and increased consistently over time, variation has decreased significantly from 0.972 to 0.841. Finally, this paper demonstrates the need for consistent human dimensions questions over time and the types of important sociodemographic, recreation behavior, and resource use questions that can be answered with longitudinal data.

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