| Fisheries bycatch problems have traditionally been explored using biological knowledge. However, social factors are often the primary determinants of a conservation success or failure. I investigated both the biological and social factors associated with Pacific salmon bycatch and fisheries interactions in the lower Fraser River, British Columbia. In Chapter 2, the relative consequences of injury, stress and facilitated recovery on migratory behaviour and success of sockeye salmon were assessed, and injury appeared to have greater consequences on fish. In Chapters 3 and 4, I used face-to-face interviews to collect information about recreational salmon anglers' attitudes, beliefs and behaviours relevant to salmon conservation and management. The latent-class models revealed a high degree of heterogeneity among salmon anglers; therefore, I recommend more nuanced approaches to management strategies. The interdisciplinary approach adopted here provided novel insight into bycatch management. Hence, I suggest that future bycatch-related studies combine biological and social sciences. |
