The Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) is undertaking an economics research project to assess the preferences and behavior of recreational steelhead anglers in Washington State. Specifically, the research will assess angler responses to catch rates, season timing, gear restrictions, and hatchery releases, and how these actions affect the value of recreational steelhead fishing. The Washington Steelhead Fishing Survey (WSFS) will provide important data to help inform steelhead conservation and fishery management in Washington State and NOAAâs West Coast Region. The WSFS will collect data needed to (1) Evaluate how angler preferences for steelhead fishing opportunities ; (2) assess the economic value of steelhead fishing opportunities in Washington State; and (3) assess the change in these values associated with management policies related to balancing conservation and recreational fishery objectives. In particular, policies related to recreational fishery regulations, hatchery management, and the recovery of ESA-listed steelhead and conservation of other wild steelhead stocks. The estimated preference parameters on steelhead angling will serve as inputs into a management model for identifying cost-effective strategies for balancing conservation, recreational, and cultural objectives.
US Code:
16 USC 1531
Name of Law: Endangered Species Act of 1973
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