Selected publications

The authors compared ecological and social dimensions of recreational angling and spearfishing targeting the invasive bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in Italy using digital videos and their associated data. The study showcases the value of exploring social media to understand the ecological and human dimensions of marine recreational fisheries in relation to distributional range shifts of species.

The authors present a multigeneration harvest selection experiment with zebrafish as a model to understand the effects of size-selective harvesting on shoaling behavior. Using high-resolution tracking of fish behavior with computational agent-based modeling, they show that shoal cohesion changed in the direction expected by a trade-off between individual vigilance and the use of social cues. 

The authors present methods that combine high-resolution tracking technologies with Big Data analyses to investigate the movements of fish and other animals. Through high resolution tracking the effects of environmental and climate changes on wildlife can be better understood, and nature and wildlife conservation be advanced on this basis.

The authors state that the reproductive capacity of large fish is underestimated. Even worse, it is the large fish which are targeted and removed by fisheries. The study shows that the replenishment potential of many fish stocks is overestimated. This increases the risk of overfishing. Especially the largest fish should be protected to a greater degree than is presently the case.

The authors assessed the motivation and wildlife-related value orientations of outdoor recreations in a random telephone survey in Spain. Recreational fishers placed more importance on the motives “to be close to nature,” “to experience tranquility", “to get away from the demands of life", “to relax psychically”, “to stay with family”, “to get exercise”, compared to other recreational groups.

What makes anglers happy? Is catch necessary? A recent global meta-analysis shows that catch and non-catch aspects jointly are relevant to angler satisfaction, but the catch and harvest component have stronger effects than most non-catch aspects.

The review study highlights examples of “bright spots” to show that a positive future for inland recreational fisheries in the face of climate change is possible. The authors present potential strategies (e.g. community-based or transdisciplinary restoration projects, adaptive approaches to short-term fisheries interventions) to adapt to current and future climate scenarios.

The authors have summarized how technical innovations can affect anglers, fisheries management and fish populations. They advise to increasingly study the effects of fishing innovations and adjusting management measures as necessary.