Using Recreation Specialization to Understand Multi-Attribute Management PReferences

Abstract

Recreation specialization group differences in support for multi-attribute management restrictions using a stated preference choice approach were tested. A fractional factorial design produced 80 choice sets of paired trip comparisons. A three dimensional recreation specialization model (i.e., behavior, skill and knowledge, and commitment) was used to segment groups. As expected, advanced anglers were less interested in relaxing the more restrictive harvest restrictions currently in place that produce the fishing quality they enjoyed. Casual anglers showed a strong preference for catching more fish by relaxing current harvest restrictions. Each specialization group showed a notably different pattern of preference. Keywords: recreation specializationstated preference choice methodrecreational fishingmanagement preferences Acknowledgement We appreciate the project funding support by the Coastal Fisheries Division, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. The authors acknowledge previous review comments by Robin Riechers of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Brad Gentner of NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, and two anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments and suggestions that were helpful to us in revising this paper. Notes ∗The underlined levels reflect current state agency fishing regulations. ∗Indicates p ≤ 0.10. ∗∗Indicates p ≤ 0.05.