The Implications of Successful Fisheries Management: A Decade of Experience With The Upper Grand River Tailwater Fishery

Authors

  • Ryan Plummer Brock University
  • Cory Kulczycki University of Alberta
  • John FitzGibbon University of Guelph
  • Michael Lück Auckland University of Technology
  • Jonas Velaniškis University of Guelph

Abstract

Managers of recreational fisheries have traditionally focused on biophysical factors related to the provision and maintenance of fish stocks. However, human dimensions and community development are equally important considerations. This paper highlights the angling experiences, economic impacts, and community development associated with the creation of a brown trout fishery in the upper section of the Grand River in Ontario, Canada. Results are presented from a series of four surveys conducted on this reach of river over the past decade. Findings build upon traditional measures of success and encompass other factors linked to the fishery. Considering these often unintended implications from successful fisheries management makes clear the importance of broadening fishery considerations beyond biophysical elements. The study highlights the potential for developing nature-based recreation amenities as a strategy for broadening the economic development base in rural communities and an ongoing need for fisheries managers to work with members of the community. Keywords: human dimensions of fisheries management, economic impacts, rural economic development, community development, Grand River, Canada

Author Biography

Ryan Plummer, Brock University

Ryan Plummer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Tourism and Environment and Chancellor’s Chair for Research Excellence at Brock University, Canada. Ryan is also an active research fellow with the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University in Sweden and a faculty investigator with the Water Policy and Governance Group based out of the University of Waterloo. Ryan holds an MA from the University of New Brunswick and a PhD from the University of Guelph. At a broad level, his research concerns environmental governance and social-ecological systems. He studies the process of adaptive co-management and is striving to advance knowledge of collaboration, adaptation and adaptive capacity within complex systems. Water is the resource context in which most of his research occurs.

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Published

2010-12-01