Recreational boat anglers’ perceptions on the sustainable development of marine recreational fishing in Taiwan

Fishing is one of the main marine recreational activities (MRF) in Taiwan. However, changes in the marine environment, climate change, marine litter, and exhaustion fishery resources have intensified over time. Whether these phenomena will affect sustainable development of MRF warrants further attention. This study was conducted in Taiwan under the context of the Salute to the Seas Policy and Friendly Fishing Action Plan. We analysed the degree of importance and satisfaction with the experiential value of boat angling activities, friendly fishing behaviours, and marine environmental awareness. The objective was to shed light on whether both the protection of the marine environment and sustainability of fishery resources can be ensured when boat angler tourists go fishing at sea. Our results showed that boat angler tourists considered marine environmental awareness to be of utmost importance, followed by the Friendly Fishing Action Plan and the experiential value boat fishing activities. The tourists were most satisfied with fishing experiences and were dissatisfied with the current progress in raising marine environmental awareness. In addition, the results revealed that aspects concerning marine litter and marine environmental awareness should be prioritized for improvement. Our post hoc analysis indicated that the experiential value of fishing activities was considered more important and more satisfactory among tourists who are experienced in fishing and who fish frequently. However, this group of tourists was dissatisfied with marine environmental awareness initiatives. The findings of this study not only contribute academic and managerial implications but also serve as a reference for sharing Taiwan’s experience in implementing the Salute to the Seas Policy and in advancing towards a friendly fishing nation.