Factors influencing angler's support or opposition to a trout fishing regulation change: A case study on section 3 of Penns Creek

INTRODUCTION: In 2013, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) approved a special regulation to improve the wild brown trout population in Section 3 of Penns Creek. The regulation allowed anglers to harvest up to two trout in the sevento twelve-inch range per day during the regular season, with catch-and-release regulations in effect the rest of the year. This study is a social assessment of the regulation change. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify types of anglers based on their specialization and harvest preference characteristics, and to determine whether they differ based on their demographics and opinion on opportunities for feedback on the change. METHODS: Six research questions were developed based on Bryan’s (1977) Specialization Theory, as well as the harvest preference literature. An online survey addressed angling specialization, harvest preference, support of or opposition to the regulation change, feelings toward opportunity for public feedback, and participant information. Survey recruitment cards were placed on vehicles parked along Penns Creek, at local fly-shops and outdoor stores, and on the Internet. ANALYTICS: Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, K-Means Cluster analysis, ANOVA and Chi-square analysis. Content analysis of open-ended questions was also conducted. RESULTS: Two-hundred and one respondents were found to form three clusters: Minimalists, Moderates and Experts. Distinct specialization and harvest preferences characterized each cluster. The content analysis identified unique response patterns to each clusters’ opinion of the regulation change and their opportunities for public feedback. CONCLUSION: The special regulation implemented on Penns Creek was the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. This social assessment of the change exposed anglers’ response to this and prior efforts to regulate change on Penns Creek. The results of this study will help the PFBC and other agencies to: (a) develop strategies to facilitate support for proposed regulation changes, (b) develop and implement proactive strategies that incorporate angler preferences in decisions, and (c) better understand angler types’ support of or opposition to a specific regulation change. Taking stock of anglers’ opinion of policy is paramount to the long-term success of fisheries management. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES . VI LIST OF TABLES . VII ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . IX CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION . 1 PURPOSE OF STUDY . 3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS . 3 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW . 7 SPECIALIZATION . 7 HARVEST PREFERENCE . 13 CHAPTER 3 METHODS . 18 SAMPLE . 18 STUDY AREA . 18 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT . 19 DATA COLLECTION PROCESS . 25 ANALYTIC STRATEGY . 26 CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS . 29 PARTICIPANT PROFILE . 29 ANGLERS’ SPECIALIZATION . 31 ANGLERS’ HARVEST PREFERENCE . 33 RESPONSE TO REGULATION CHANGE . 34 RELIABILITY ANALYSIS . 35 K-­‐MEANS CLUSTER ANALYSIS . 36 RESULTS FOR THE TWO-­‐CLUSTER SOLUTION . 37 RESULTS FOR THE THREE-­‐CLUSTER SOLUTION . 42 THE APPROPRIATE CLUSTER SOLUTION . 46 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ANGLER TYPES . 48 OPINION OF REGULATION CHANGE ACROSS CLUSTERS . 50 CONTENT ANALYSIS OF OPINION ON REGULATION CHANGE . 50 OPINION OF FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CLUSTERS . 58 CONTENT ANALYSIS OF FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES . 59 COMPARISON OF FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CLUSTERS . 66 NUMBER AND TYPE OF FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITY RESPONSES BY CLUSTER . 66 DISTRIBUTION OF FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITY ACROSS CLUSTERS . 69 CHAPTER 5 DISCUSSION . 74 NOTABLE FINDINGS . 74 THE SAMPLE . 74 THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS . 75 CONTRIBUTION TO LITERATURE . 78 DIRECT APPLICATION TO THE FIELD . 83 LIMITATIONS . 85 FUTURE RESEARCH . 87 REFERENCES . 89 v APPENDIX A STUDY AREA . 94 PENNS CREEK STUDY AREA MAP . 95 APPENDIX B INFORMED CONSENT FORM FOR SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH . 96 APPENDIX C PENNS CREEK ANGLER SURVEY . 98 APPENDIX D SURVEY RECRUITMENT MATERIALS . 108 PENNS CREEK SURVEY RECRUITMENT CARD . 108 PENNS CREEK SURVEY RECRUITMENT FLIER . 108 vi LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3-1. Penns Creek Survey Recruitment Card . 25 Figure 4-1. Minimalist’s Opinion on Feedback Response Distribution . 67 Figure 4-2. Moderate’s Opinion on Feedback Response Distribution . 68 Figure 4-3. Expert’s Opinion on Feedback Response Di