Abstract

Recreational fishing has always been a popular pastime in Bermuda, yet information on this aspect of the fishery has been sparse and largely anecdotal until recently. More data on recreational fishing practices and estimates of recreational landings are needed to facilitate better management of recreational fishing activity and to help fulfill international reporting obligations. In 2011, a survey of recreational fishing activity in Bermuda was conducted by interviewing fishers on the shoreline and mailing a survey to boat owners. The primary goal was to further investigate the extent of various forms of recreational fishing in Bermuda and to acquire estimates of the types and numbers of fishes being caught. The survey also aimed to find out whether the fishing public was familiar with, and generally supportive of, the new fishing regulations brought in at the end of 2010. Opinions on licensing and reporting options were also sought. Important differences highlighted by the survey are that shoreline fishers were more active than boat owners, although boat owners caught more than twice as many fish per capita, and the fish they caught were much larger. However, virtually all those surveyed viewed their fishing as a relaxing leisure activity conducted with friends and family. Awareness of key fisheries regulations was good across both survey categories and those surveyed were generally supportive of the measures in place. In contrast, there was little support for licensing recreational fishing activities.

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