Minority group participation in recreational fishing: the role of demographics and constraints

Abstract

Minority populations are increasing in numbers and will influence participation and expenditures in fishing activities. This, in turn, will affect fisheries management. Between 1995 and 2025, 78% of the net change in the U.S. population will be attributed to minority group members. This increase in minority populations will be related to a potential increase in the number and proportion of minorities involved in fishing activities. However, it has been shown that minority groups presently comprise a much lower proportion of those who participate in fishing activities when compared to Anglos. This low participation rate implies that minority groups are subject to a variety of constraints or factors that inhibit their participation in fishing activities. Unfortunately, there is little information to explain which constraints are perceived as most serious by minority populations. This paper attempts to identify and discuss possible explanations for low participation rates or non-participation among minority populations, and to discuss the importance of recognizing population trends so agencies can successfully recruit new participants and respond to different types of desired angling experiences. This, in turn, should help fisheries agencies become more efficient in delivering opportunities and services to what will be a growing number of minority constituents.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 1997 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Finn, Kelly L.; Loomis, David K. 1998. Minority group participation in recreational fishing: the role of demographics and constraints. In: Vogelsong, Hans G., comp, ed. Proceedings of the 1997 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 1997 April 6 - 9; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-241. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 64-69.