Exploring the Psychological Dimensions of Stewardship in Recreational Fisheries

Abstract

The sustainability of recreational fisheries is in part dependent on anglers acting as stewards of the resource. However, the psychological attributes that underpin anglers' adoption of voluntarily stewardship behaviors remain largely unknown. In this study, we tested a model of the factors that influence stewardship in the recreational fisheries sector. Specifically, we drew on identity theory to explore the role of one's identification as an angler in shaping moral norms and stewardship behaviors among anglers in Texas. Stewardship behavior was conceptualized along three dimensions related to private-sphere, public-sphere, and social stewardship activities. Data were taken from a statewide, mixed-mode survey of Texas licensed anglers' attitudes, behaviors, and management preferences (n = 948). We hypothesized that one's identity as an angler and moral beliefs about acting as a steward of fisheries resources would predict three dimensions of stewardship behavior. Results indicated that one's identity as an angler is associated with normative beliefs and that these two factors have differential effects on engagement in multiple dimensions of stewardship behaviors.