Chapter 3: Meaning and relevance of the ecosystem approach to recreational fisheries management. Emphasis on the importance of the human dimension

In recreational fishing, high and often selective angling mortality coupled with deleterious management actions such as stocking non-native fish can, under certain situations, impact fish communities and entire ecosystems. To counterbalance these impacts, an ecosystem approach to recreational fisheries may be needed. This chapter reviews the meaning an relevance of the ecosystem approach for recreational fisheries management. Most of the principles of the ecosystem approach for recreational fisheries are already enrooted in a properly defined sustainability paradigm. Thus, the concept is not new. For its success, it is important to account for the vital role of the human dimension in at least two areas: setting of management objectives and expecting paradoxical dynamics resulting from the anglers' behaviour. Local capacity-building and self-empowerment of anglers to internalize the importance of an ecosystem approach to recreational fisheries management is crucial if recreational fisheries are to be integrated into the wider framework of aquatic ecosystem management.