A long entanglement with nature: Flyfishers in the wild

Flyfishers in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area exhibit nuanced motivations and environmental awareness, revealing both their deep connection to nature and potential impacts on ecosystems. Four distinct groups emerged: social fishers who prioritize companionship, trophy-focused lone anglers, outdoor enthusiasts for whom fishing is secondary, and hunter-gatherers willing to travel far for catches. Despite their exotic status, trout were not universally viewed as pests by participants, though they recognized broader environmental issues like littering and climate change. Notably, fishers demonstrated a strong willingness to mitigate negative impacts, offering valuable insights for conservation and recreation management in protected areas.

Adedokun, B. C., McHenry, M. T., & Kirkpatrick, J. B. (2023). A long entanglement with nature: Flyfishers in the wild. Geographical Research, 61(3), 390–404. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-5871.12584