It is a quintessential summer scene: Along the waterways of Virginia, from riverbanks to stream edges, recreational anglers cast their lines in hopes of a catch. In urban areas like Roanoke and Charlottesville, lines hang from bridges and along freshwater docks.
These activities fall under the category of “recreational fishing.” However, fishing in freshwater sources is far from a mere pastime for many anglers in the U.S. and globally. It is vital to securing essential nutrition and sustenance for individuals, families, and entire communities.
A groundbreaking new study, co-authored by Assistant Professor Elizabeth Nyboer of the College of Natural Resources and Environment and published in Nature Food, highlights the significant yet often overlooked role that inland recreational fisheries play in providing food and nutrition. The study also sheds light on the potential impacts of climate change on these fisheries.
Nyboer worked alongside various researchers and institutions, including Abigail Lynch from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Climate Adaptation Center, Holly Embke from the USGS Midwest Climate Adaptation Center, and Louisa Wood from the University of Portsmouth.
As Nyboer pointed out, the study’s most striking discovery is the quantification of how many freshwater fish caught recreationally are actually consumed. It also measures their nutritional and economic contributions on a global scale. The findings reveal that recreational fishing accounts for 11.3% of the worldwide freshwater fish catch, translating into a consumption value of $9.95 billion. This figure challenges the prevailing assumption that the impact of recreationally caught fish on nutrition and the economy is negligible.
Nyboer emphasized that “recreational” implies a leisure activity primarily for enjoyment. As such, recreational fisheries are not typically seen or managed as a crucial food source, with scant data supporting their broader role in nutrition, economics, or human science. This study aims to challenge this narrow view and illuminate the complex contributions of inland recreational fishing on a global scale.
The data collection process for this research was extensive and often involved retrieving information from overlooked or forgotten sources, such as old filing cabinets that had never been digitized. Nyboer and her team conducted numerous interviews with fisheries managers, boat captains, and recreational fishing guides worldwide to gather data and insights.
Building on previous research, this expansive new study further develops the earlier data set. It presents a comprehensive global view of inland fisheries’ nutritional and economic value across 56 countries. These findings support the United Nations’ Zero Hunger Sustainable Development Goal to enhance food security and improve nutrition globally.
Nyboer advocates for a shift in terminology from “recreational” to “provisional fishing” to reflect better the essential nature of these activities beyond mere recreation. This term acknowledges that many people engage in fishing for enjoyment and as a critical part of their dietary and cultural practices.
This shift in perspective is crucial for managing freshwater resources more effectively and inclusively, considering the diverse needs and practices of those who rely on these fisheries, especially from shore-based locations.
Moreover, the study highlights the social justice implications of inland fishing, emphasizing the need to include underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups in decision-making and policy formulation processes. By quantifying the consumption and economic value of recreationally caught fish, Nyboer hopes to encourage governments and policymakers to recognize and address the significant contributions of these fisheries.
The challenges of climate change add another layer of urgency to this research. Rising global temperatures seriously threaten inland fisheries, especially in regions already facing food scarcity. By analyzing the traits and behaviours of various fish species, the study assesses the vulnerability of these populations to climate impacts, providing a foundation for developing management strategies that protect fish populations while ensuring food security.
Nyboer’s collaborative efforts aim to foster a better understanding of inland recreational fisheries and to influence global policies that acknowledge and support this critical food resource. The growing network of researchers and the ongoing dialogue about recreational fishing’s multifaceted roles signify a collective move towards redefining and recognizing the true value of these activities on a global scale.
More information: Abigail J. Lynch et al, Inland recreational fisheries contribute nutritional benefits and economic value but are vulnerable to climate change, Nature Food. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00961-8
Journal information: Nature Food Provided by Virginia Tech
