Regional fishing site preferences of subgroups of Finnish recreational fishers

ABSTRACT Understanding relevant subgroupings, among local and traveling recreational fishers, is critical for the tourism sector and fisheries managers. Subgroups may notably differ in fishing activity styles, commitment, traveling across provinces and demand for fishing activities. We analyzed survey data originally collected from registered Finnish recreational fishers in 2018. The reported number of fishing days and methods were used to construct profiles. Separate travel cost models were then fitted to explain factors associating with recreational fishing activities in the main fishing provinces, using the variety of cost, demographics, and profile as explanatory variables. The recreational use value of a fishing day and the total recreational use value of fishing in Finland were estimated. The most attractive province, Lapland, received the highest number of visiting fishers, and highest use value per fishing day. Active anglers spent more days fishing in Finland in general and in Lapland than other profiles. Active generalists were more frequent fishers in Southern Savonia and in marine areas than other profiles. The most common fishing destination for Finnish recreational fishers was their own residential province. These findings help fishery managers identify the most potential areas for improving fishing opportunities and to predict changes in visitation behavior.