Improving electronic reporting rates in the US recreational fishery for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

ObjectiveIn recent years, electronic self-reporting has emerged as a potentially powerful tool for timely collection of catch and effort data from recreational fisheries. Such approaches are particularly critical given that recreational fisheries contribute significantly to fishing mortality for popular marine fish species in North America and elsewhere. However, many self-reporting programs are voluntary and struggle with angler recruitment and retention, while those that are mandatory have demonstrated mixed success with angler compliance. In this study, we surveyed Massachusetts anglers in the recreational fishery for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus; anglers in this fishery are required to report all landings and dead discards, but compliance has historically been poor.MethodsThe survey assessed respondents' Bluefin Tuna fishing experience and behavior, opinions about self-reporting, and views on the effectiveness of various strategies to increase self-reporting rates. Because we had access to past reporting history, we were able to compare responses between those who had previously reported Bluefin Tuna and those who had not.ResultWe achieved a response rate of 21.9%, and by comparing survey responses with past reporting history, we estimated a reporting compliance rate of only about 42%. Surprisingly, responses to survey questions generally did not differ markedly between reporters and nonreporters, although we did find evidence that those who complied with the self-reporting requirement had less faith in the Bluefin Tuna fishery's management process. Among the top strategies identified by respondents to increase reporting compliance were (1) providing incentives; (2) providing behavioral "nudges," such as reminders; (3) better educating anglers on the benefits of self-reporting; (4) increasing the user-friendliness of the reporting technology; and (5) the reframing of norms through leveraging leaders in the fishery.ConclusionOur findings can help to inform self-reporting and other citizen science approaches to maximize the quantity and quality of recreational data collected, in turn informing the sustainable management of this sector. Effectively estimating the number of fish caught by recreational anglers is key for sustainably managing fishery resources, and electronic self-reporting approaches such as smartphone apps could help managers better monitor catch. However, these tools depend on high levels of participation by anglers. This study identified strategies that managers could employ to improve self-reporting rates in the recreational Atlantic Bluefin Tuna fishery in Massachusetts, which could be applied to other fisheries as well.Impact statement