Angler support for freshwater fish stocking: The role of specialization, catch orientation, managerial role and demographics across different target species

Recreational anglers’ support for fish stocking varies with personal characteristics. Early qualitative research on freshwater trout suggested that highly specialized anglers preferred habitat-based management and harvest regulations over stocking due to concerns that hatchery fish could impact wild trout populations. Subsequent quantitative studies across a range of species, however, reported that more specialized anglers tended to show greater support for stocking than less specialized anglers. We re-examined how three subdimensions of specialization (behavioral, cognitive, and affective), along with catch and harvest orientation, age, and managerial roles, relate to norms, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward freshwater fish stocking across five species groups identified as anglers’ main targets. Data were collected from 2,483 anglers who were members of angling clubs in Lower Saxony, Germany. Across all species, behaviorally committed anglers showed stronger normative and attitudinal support for stocking than less committed anglers, except among anglers targeting salmonids. The cognitive and affective subdimensions of specialization showed inconsistent relationships with pro-stocking norms and attitudes; however, when significant, the associations were positive, including among salmonid anglers. Older anglers, and anglers with stronger catch and harvest orientation expressed greater normative and attitudinal support for stocking. However, older anglers indicated a lower intention to alter current stocking practices compared with younger anglers. Higher levels of formal and fisheries-related education, as well as managerial roles within clubs, tended to reduce support for stocking, but associations varied by target species. In conclusion, more specialized, catch- and harvest-focused, older, and less formally educated anglers showed elevated support for fish stocking across the five target species groups, but the positive association of specialization and stocking support among salmonid anglers was less pronounced than in the other species groups and only significant for the cognitive subdimension of specialization in relation to pro-stocking norms and attitudes.