Fishing in the Neighborhood: Understanding Motivations and Constraints for Angling Among Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minnesota Metro Residents

摘要

Fishing license sales are stagnant in Minnesota and declining in many states. It is important to understand what motivates and constrains people's fishing participation. In 2005, we mailed surveys to 900 male and 900 female residents of the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota (USA) metropolitan area to determine attitudes and beliefs about outdoor recreation and fishing. Based on survey responses from 39.3% of the sample, we examined factors that motivate and constrain fishing among urban and suburban residents. Five factors motivated outdoor recreation: (a) achievement, (b) appreciation, (c) personal development, (d) affiliation, and (e) health. Appreciation and health were the most important motivators for outdoor recreation. Fishing was seen as a wayto satisfy appreciation and affiliation motivations, and less likely to satisfy other motivations. Seven factors constrained outdoor recreation: (a) costs/regulations/crowding, (b) discomfort/dislike, (c) concerns about safety or discrimination, (d) planning required, (e) physical ability, (f) access, and (g) family/work commitments. Family/work commitments and cost most limited outdoor recreation. Constraints related to family/work commitments, cost, and lack of interest most limited fishing participation. We examined how perceived benefits and constraints predicted intention to fish. About 55% of respondents indicated that they would likely fish in the future, and about 50% of respondents said that they would likely fish in Minnesota in the next year. Appreciation, affiliation, and health motivations and constraints related to discomfort, discrimination/safety, and physical ability predicted future fishing. About 27% of respondents indicated that fishing was a "favorite" activity. Appreciation, comfort, and reduced access to angling opportunities predicted whether fishing was a favorite activity. We suggest that managers emphasize the multiple benefits of fishing including nature appreciation, social connection, and stress reduction, and develop programs and facilities to address discomfort and discrimination associated with fishing.