Taking stock: assessing Rhode Island recreational angler conservation ethic and coastal identity

Fisheries management in the United States requires managing the actions of both commercial and recreational fishers in order to maintain its efficacy. To maintain sustainable fisheries, recreational fisheries management relies on individuals' ethical behaviors and assumptions of their compliance with regulations. This mixed methods study assessed Rhode Island recreational anglers' conservation ethic in relation to their coastal identities. The results show a positive correlation between ethic and coastal identity among anglers, and evidence that family members and other mentors play a significant role in the development of both coastal identity and angling ethic. We conclude with recommendations of communication strategies that fisheries managers can utilize to highlight anglers' personal identification with coastal areas in order to encourage strong conservation ethic, and thus sustainable angling behaviors.