Exploring ecological knowledge in recreational fishing for conservation purposes: A literature review

Fishing is a widely popular activity that provides an opportunity for laymen to collect reliable ecological data. It is now recognized that recreational fishers possess valuable ecological knowledge (recreational FEK) that can significantly enhance our understanding of nature, and prioritizing nature conservational tasks. This literature review focuses exclusively on the ecological knowledge of recreational fishers, their perceptions of nature, and the potential for co-production of knowledge through citizen science programs. By conducting literature searches in Google Scholar and Web of Science, we have analysed published articles and evaluated the contributions of recreational anglers and spearfishers to conservation and other ecologically relevant fields. We reviewed a total of 81 studies from five continents, including 22 studies that examined other stakeholder groups, predominantly commercial fishers. Our findings suggest that the mapping of recreational fishers’ knowledge presents an opportunity to gain a better understanding of aquatic habitats and wetlands. Their factual observations and perceptions can also provide essential data for species conservation and habitat management, and can help establish citizen science projects for marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide.