Characterizing participation in non-commercial fishing and other shore-based recreational activities on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Non-commercial fishing, which includes recreational and subsistence fishing activity, is part of the culture and heritage of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Residents of USVI fish for enjoyment, to gather food, to bond with others, as well as for gifting and other traditional activities. According to a 2010 report, recreational fishing contributed an estimated 25 million dollars to the economy per year. Though there is evidence that reef fish assemblages in the USVI have changed over time in part due to fishing pressure (both commercial and noncommercial fishing), reporting of catch is currently required only for the commercial fishing sector. Thus, little is known about the non-commercial fishing community and how their fishing activity may impact the stocks of regional fisheries. This study characterizes the community of shore-based, non-commercial fishers on the island of St. Croix, USVI in terms of their fishing patterns over space and time and to the extent possible, their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. The results and lessons learned from this study can inform future survey efforts of non-commercial fishers in the USVI.