Characteristics of anglers living in the metropolitan area of Berlin (Germany): implications for urban fisheries management and research

Chapter

Increasing urbanization of the human population has focused attention on the development of recreational fishing opportunities in metropolitean areas. Urban recreational fisheries can provide numerous benefits and may substitute for decreasing numbers of commercial fishermen. Inland fisheries management programs must consider not only fish but also the human component of the fishery. However, no information is available on the main characteristics of anglers living in the reunified Berlin (Germany) since the last survey was conducted several decades ago (1977 in Western Berlin). Therefore, a selfadministered mail survey was sent (simple random sampling) to 3500 angling licence holders living within the metropolitan area of Berlin. The aim was to identify characteristics of the angling population to allow for the establishment of appropriate management policies. Based on an adjusted response rate of 37% (n=1061), this paper describes selected characteristics of the Berlin angling population and provides implications for management. Responses were analysed, inter alia, for demographics, activity, experience, behaviour, preferences, motivations, catch and expenditure. An outstanding feature was that the majority of “Berlin anglers” fished exclusively (39.6% of the respondents), or predominantly (31.6%) outside Berlin in the adjacent German Länder (States), although fishing taxes and fees were paid in Berlin. Consequently, in the urban fisheries of Berlin, a marketing and management outreach program is needed to satisfy the users, increase participation and strengthen local fisheries-related economies.

Arlinghaus, R., Mehner, T. (2003). Characteristics of anglers living in the metropolitan area of Berlin (Germany): implications for urban fisheries management and research. In Coleman, A.P.M. (Ed.), Regional experiences for global solutions. The Proceedings of the 3rd World Recreational Fishing Conference 21-24 May 2002, Northern Territory, Australia. Fisheries Report 67, Fisheries Group, Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development, Darwin, 117-120.


Published : 2003
Appeared in : In Coleman, A.P.M. (Ed.), Regional experiences for global solutions. The Proceedings of the 3rd World Recreational Fishing Conference 21-24 May 2002, Northern Territory, Australia. Fisheries Report 67, Fisheries Group, Department of Business, Industry an