Assessment of recreational boat anglers’ practices and perceptions in the Faial-Pico Channel marine protected area, Azores

Silva, Cliff; Seixas, Sónia

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/20405

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Authors

Silva, Cliff

Seixas, Sónia

Abstract(s)

The Faial-Pico Channel Marine Protected Area (MPA), located in the Azores, Portugal, encompasses approximately 240 km² and is divided into two main zones: Faial and Pico. Unlike the broader regulations across mainland Portugal, the unique licensing requirements in the Azores only mandate boat owners to obtain licenses. This study aims to fill the existing research gap on recreational boat anglers in the Faial-Pico Channel MPA by employing face-to-face survey interviews with local boat anglers to understand their fishing practices, target species, and perceptions regarding marine resource management. Results from experienced recreational boat anglers indicate a predominant fishing duration of 11 to 30 days per year, with fishing efforts primarily targeting species such as forkbeard and blackspot seabream. The estimated annual capture is enormous, comprising a significant portion of the total fishing yield on Faial Island. Most boat anglers support specific conservation measures such as minimum length regulations and closed seasons, though there are varied opinions on the broader impacts of recreational fishing. Boat anglers largely attribute the decline in certain fish stocks to commercial overfishing. While the existing restrictions in Monte da Guia are accepted, proposals for additional MPAs face resistance. This study underscores the need for more comprehensive management strategies, such as improving communication between stakeholders and employing a licensing system to regulate fishing activities better and conserve marine biodiversity in the MPA.

Keywords

Recreational boat anglers Marine protected area (MPA) Species targeted Catch quantity estimation Climate change Management recommendations

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/20405

Citation

Silva, C., Seixas, S. Assessment of recreational boat anglers’ practices and perceptions in the Faial-Pico Channel marine protected area, Azores. J Coast Conserv 29, 71 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-025-01164-4