Study Overview

Recreational fisheries, like all fisheries, achieve long-term success by enforcing a set of fishing rules and regulations that fishers are required to follow. The degree to which recreational fishers comply with or break these rules determines whether recreational fisheries can sustain in the future. Additionally, fishery authorities cannot effectively prevent rule-breaking or enhance compliance if the underlying motivations for these illegal behaviors remain unknown. 

Managers are only informed of unlawful incidents when enforcement officers apprehend offenders in the Great Lakes region. However, the true extent of this behavior across the Great Lakes is unknown. Even if the rate of illegal recreational fishing is low or negligible (which is currently unknown for the Great Lakes), it is essential for fishery managers to understand the key factors driving such behaviors among anglers. 

This study aims to 
​      (i) estimate the effectiveness of fishing rules and regulations in the Great Lakes,
      (ii) assess individual attitude and the existing social norms towards fishing rules and regulations (see the infographic for details),
      (iii) evaluate the level of different trusts between anglers and managers, leading to cooperation between anglers and managers (see the infographic for details). 

Preliminary Results

The online survey for this study will run from December 2025 to June 2026. We will share the preliminary results in 2026. Stay tuned!

Questions or for more information, contact:  Mahatub Khan Badhon ([email protected])