Catches of the sport fishing competitions along the Maltese coast

Abstract

Coastal fish communities suffer from various anthropogenic activities. To improve integrated coastal zone management and conservation, recreational sport fishing along the coast of Malta, unstudied before, is the focus of research that started in July 2012. Results from creel surveys conducted during 35 sport fishing competitions and with 26 hobby anglers are presented here. A total of 13,205 fish were recorded from 64 different species belonging to 25 families. Benthic species were predominant in catches. This first scientific study in collaboration with sports and recreational fishermen allows for conservation measures to be increasingly considered and integrated in the activities of these recreational fishing activities. Stakeholders participate and learn from the scientific process while working closely with conservation scientists.