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AUTHORS: Mark A. Kaemingk, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Christopher J. Chizinski, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Keith L. Hurley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Kevin L. Pope, U.S. Geological Survey-Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
ABSTRACT: Large-scale spatial synchrony is widely observed among plant and animal populations but could also have application to social-ecological systems. To date, this phenomenon has not been tested within recreational fisheries despite its potential benefits. We examined angling pressure, catch and release, and catch and harvest rates across multiple Nebraska water bodies during 2009 to 2015. Specifically, we used monthly (April-October) estimates of these variables to evaluate spatial covariance and the scale or extent of synchrony among water bodies. Results demonstrate that angling pressure is more synchronous compared to estimates of catch across different fish species. Therefore, factors responsible for patterns in angling pressure and catch are likely different and operate at divergent spatial and temporal scales. We discuss levels of support for dispersal (travel costs), predator-prey (angler and fish), and the Moran effect (climate) to explain these patterns and their application to recreational fisheries. Understanding large-scale spatial synchrony in coupled social-ecological systems will greatly benefit our ability to identify and manage these systems across the most appropriate spatial and temporal scales.
