Faculty Sponsor(s)
Eric Schuck
Subject Area
Economics
Description
Salmon populations along the Pacific Northwest coast are vital to regional ecosystems, local economies, and recreational fisheries, yet they face increasing pressure from overfishing, habitat degradation, and environmental changes, promoting the implementation of marine reserves (MRs). This study evaluated both ecological and behavioral effects by integrating stock dynamics with angler decision-making within a Gordon-Schaefer framework. Ecological impacts are measured through changes in salmon abundance and potential spillover into adjacent fishing areas. Angler effort is modeled as a function of stock changes, catch success, travel distance, ocean conditions (Pacific Decadal Oscillation), angler knowledge, and proximity to MRs. Results indicate that MRs increase local salmon response abundance and general spillover effects, while anglers respond by reallocating effort toward areas near reserve boundaries rather than exiting fishing. Travel and knowledge further influence site selection and responses to spatial restriction. The findings demonstrate that MRs shape both ecological outcomes and angler behavior, providing a more comprehensive basis for evaluating policy effectiveness and informing fisheries management.
Recommended Citation
Lopez, Zharyck, "The Impact of Marine Reserves on Recreational Salmon Catch and Salmon Angler Behavior Along the Oregon Coast" (2026). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 30.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2026/all/30
The Impact of Marine Reserves on Recreational Salmon Catch and Salmon Angler Behavior Along the Oregon Coast
Salmon populations along the Pacific Northwest coast are vital to regional ecosystems, local economies, and recreational fisheries, yet they face increasing pressure from overfishing, habitat degradation, and environmental changes, promoting the implementation of marine reserves (MRs). This study evaluated both ecological and behavioral effects by integrating stock dynamics with angler decision-making within a Gordon-Schaefer framework. Ecological impacts are measured through changes in salmon abundance and potential spillover into adjacent fishing areas. Angler effort is modeled as a function of stock changes, catch success, travel distance, ocean conditions (Pacific Decadal Oscillation), angler knowledge, and proximity to MRs. Results indicate that MRs increase local salmon response abundance and general spillover effects, while anglers respond by reallocating effort toward areas near reserve boundaries rather than exiting fishing. Travel and knowledge further influence site selection and responses to spatial restriction. The findings demonstrate that MRs shape both ecological outcomes and angler behavior, providing a more comprehensive basis for evaluating policy effectiveness and informing fisheries management.