Estimates of numbers of masu salmon caught by recreational fishermen in the coastal area off Iburi, Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

Recreational fishing for masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou has recently become popular in coastal areas of south-western Hokkaido, including the Iburi district. We sampled recreational party boats in the Iburi district in the winters of 1998-1999 and 1999-2000. Daily numbers of anglers and catches of masu salmon were provided by the captains of the fishing boats. On average, anglers caught approximately four masu salmon per day each year, and peak catches occurred from late January to early February. Estimated numbers (standard errors in parentheses) of masu salmon caught by recreational anglers in the Iburi district were 66 844 (11 685) in 1998-1999 and 57 454 (6559) in 1999-2000, equivalent to 12-13% of the total annual commercial catches of masu salmon in Hokkaido. High recreational catches illustrate the importance of evaluating this fishery in the assessment and management of masu salmon in Hokkaido.