Socioeconomic dynamics of recreational fishing in the Mar Chiquita Reserve: implications for conservation and regional development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47193/mafis.39420260011004Keywords:
Coastal protected areas, socioeconomic impact, marine-coastal management, Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon, local economiesAbstract
Recreational fisheries are increasingly recognized for their ecological and socioeconomic importance, particularly in coastal protected areas where they interact with conservation objectives. This study analyzes the socioeconomic dynamics of recreational fishing in the Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon Reserve (Argentina), with the aim of identifying and characterizing the spending user profiles. Data were collected through 82 structured questionnaires conducted between December 2024 and February 2025 using a mixed recruitment strategy that combined non-probability convenience and snowball sampling. Results indicate that the fishery consist of experienced male fishers, primarily from nearby urban areas, with high visitation frequency and multi-site use within the coastal lagoon system. The fishery is multispecific, with flounder (Paralichthys orbignyanus) and silverside (Odontesthes argentinensis) being the main target species. Fishing motivations are mainly associated with environmental attributes, highlighting the multidimensional recreational value of the area. Expenditure patterns reveal that local economic impact is not primarily determined by overnight stays but by fishing modality. Boat-based fishing is associated with higher spending levels due to the use of local services such as boat rentals, guides, and boat transportation. Four distinct spending profiles were identified, revealing marked heterogeneity in the contribution of recreational fishers to the local economy. The comprehensive spending segment showed the greatest potential for local economic spillovers, whereas the remaining groups concentrated their expenditures on specific categories and exhibited low levels of local spending. These findings emphasize that recreational fishing contributes to local economies through selective and activity-specific expenditures rather than traditional tourism patterns. This study provides the first exploratory approach to understanding the spending profiles of recreational fishers in a marine-coastal protected area in Argentina, offering key insights to support integrated management strategies that balance conservation goals with sustainable recreational use.
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