Exploring recreational angler heterogeneity in the Okanagan

Participation in recreational angling in British Columbia has declined since the early 1990’s. Therefore, new fishery management strategies are being designed to attract anglers to the Okanagan region of British Columbia (Region 8). This study used a Discrete Choice Experiment and a Latent Class Model to identify unique groups of anglers within the Okanagan (Region 8), and to evaluate if the new management strategies align with anglers preferences for fishery characteristics. The results of the study identify and describe four heterogeneous segments of fishers, and determine that the new management strategies will provide attractive fishing opportunities for most Okanagan (Region 8) angler segments if they are implemented. These findings are supported by a Decision Support Tool which can be used by fishery managers to evaluate and refine management strategies for small mountain lakes in the Okanagan (Region 8).