The use of baitfish for recreational angling results in billions of farm-raised and wild-caught fish being moved long distances overland and introduced into new environments. As a result, baitfish movement has been considered a high-risk activity for the spread of aquatic invasive species, with potentially major economic, ecological, and societal consequences.
The goal of this study is to assess the risk of introduction of fish pathogens through the recreational use of baitfish. Researchers will synthesize existing knowledge to identify priority hazards for the baitfish trade, develop a risk analysis framework, and characterize the volume, patterns, and complexity of baitfish use by anglers in Minnesota. This will result in the development of a tool for estimating risk of AIS introduction via the baitfish pathway. The tool will be tested with three pathogens of concern to estimate the number of likely introductions to wild fish populations – a useful metric when considering trade-offs for risk management.
Progress
Over the last six months, researchers completed data collection, data cleaning, and factor analysis for our survey examining the motivations and attitudes towards live baitfish release in Minnesota. They received a total of 1,706 responses, 1,092 of which were suitable for factor analysis. They have completed the initial exploratory factor analysis and have determined that we have sufficient support for our three-factor model of the Theory of Planned Behavior to proceed with the confirmatory factor analysis and structural model. Preliminary examination of demographic differences show that younger anglers and anglers in greater Minnesota are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including past importation and release of live baitfish. Additionally, younger anglers are more likely to report intent to release live baitfish, and social norms are correlated with bait release intention, indicating that peer-mediated messaging discouraging baitfish release may have promise for risk reduction. Researchers are in conversation with the MNDNR regarding their recent county-level pilot projects and will continue to incorporate insights from those projects as the team finalizes social-psychological model and integrate those results with the statewide risk model.
Phase II
This project builds on previous research in Phase I and complimentary work by the MNDNR and has the potential for immediate management application. Following the identification of promising management targets as a result of previous work, management leaders could employ the insights from this project to design appropriate and innovative management approaches that combine communication, positive feedback, and enforcement to further reduce illegal bait release behavior and prevent AIS introduction in the state. This study will also provide broad insights into the composition of Minnesota’s angling population and provide the basis for future angler behavior studies.
This project directly addresses an identified need for social science-informed management to target the behavioral dimensions of AIS spread via the large and complex baitfish pathway. The Phase I research is the first to quantify pathogen introduction risk for the live bait pathway in Minnesota and the first to incorporate the behavioral science dimension within the risk model. We will explicitly evaluate the potential efficacy of realistic management strategies using our previously developed risk assessment model which will provide decision support for managers interested in reducing AIS and pathogen introduction risk.
Phase I
The goal of this study is to assess the risk of introduction of fish pathogens through the recreational use of baitfish. Researchers will synthesize existing knowledge to identify priority hazards for the baitfish trade, develop a risk analysis framework, and characterize the volume, patterns, and complexity of baitfish use by anglers in Minnesota. This will result in the development of a tool for estimating risk of AIS introduction via the baitfish pathway. The tool will be tested with three pathogens of concern to estimate the number of likely introductions to wild fish populations – a useful metric when considering trade-offs for risk management.
This work builds upon, and will be informed by, an ongoing baitfish risk assessment led by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, previous baitfish hazard assessments, and previous and ongoing research by members of the project team. Quantifying the actual, not perceived, risks of introduction will help inform risk-based management decisions and lead to better outcomes that support Minnesota’s bait and fishing industries while protecting natural resources.
Dr. Phelps serves as both the Director of MAISRC and as a MAISRC research fellow. The review and administration of Dr. Phelps research proposals and projects with MAISRC are guided by the Managing Director Conflict of Interest in MAISRC Proposal Funding policy. Questions about this policy can be directed to MAISRC Associate Director, Cori Mattke.