Unraveling Greek Inland Competitive Fishing: Historical Insights, Angler Profiles, and Motivations through Limited Data Integration in Recreational Fishing Research

Abstract

This study delves into the realm of competitive sport fishing in Greece’s inland waters, where recent years have witnessed a notable surge in such activities. Despite the absence of official records, insights into the sport’s trend and the motivations and socio-demographic characteristics of anglers participating in fishing competitions were gleaned from digital data sourced from online platforms and interviews with anglers. Our findings illuminate the growing popularity of sport fishing in Greece, evident in the increasing number of fishing competitions and the burgeoning angling community. Predominantly male, anglers exhibit a strong dedication to catch-and-release practices, citing relaxation and socialization as primary motivations, with competitive aspirations also shaping their involvement. Moreover, the study highlights legislative gaps in inland water fisheries regulations, underscoring the need for updates to ensure sustainable management and to mitigate illegal activities. Additionally, there exists an opportunity to bolster anglers’ ecological awareness through targeted education initiatives. Ultimately, addressing these conclusions holds the potential to foster responsible fishing practices and contribute to the long-term sustainability of inland water fisheries.

1. Introduction

Recreational fishing, defined as catching fish for pleasure or competition rather than for commercial purposes, is a popular leisure activity enjoyed by millions worldwide. Recreational fishing can take place in inland waters, such as lakes, ponds, and rivers, as well as in saltwater environments like oceans, seas, and coastal areas. Anglers target a wide range of fish species depending on their location and preferences, such as trout and bass or carp in freshwater [1,2] or marlin and tuna in the sea [3,4]. The rich diversity of fishing environments and target species highlights the versatility and widespread appeal of recreational fishing.

While recreational fishing is primarily pursued for recreational enjoyment, it also has cultural, social, and economic significance. Globally, the number of active anglers ranges from 220 to 700 million. These estimates vary considerably due to limited data, particularly in less-developed countries [5,6], and the absence of requirements for recreational fishing licenses and records of catches in some regions, including certain European countries. Several communities rely on fishing tourism as a source of revenue, attracting visitors who come to fish in local waters and participate in related activities and events [7,8]. Recreational anglers’ annual expenditures are estimated at $190 billion, making recreational fisheries in some countries more profitable than commercial ones [9]. The cost of transport, equipment, accessories and clothing, accommodation and excursions, education, and license fees [7,10] makes recreational fishing a multi-billion-euro industry [11,12]. This economic impact underscores the importance of recreational fishing to local and national economies, driving infrastructure development and job creation in related sectors.

In addition, angling has evolved into a popular sport, with thousands of fishing competitions where anglers compete to catch the largest fish or the most fish within a specified time frame, taking place worldwide annually [13] (details about fishing competitions in Appendix A). The modern era of freshwater fishing tournaments began to take shape in the late 20th century (in the 1970s and 1980s), particularly in regions with abundant freshwater resources like North America and Europe [13,14]. Nowadays, a vast number of inland water fishing competitions are held worldwide [8,14]. For example, [14] estimated that over 32,000 competitive freshwater fishing events occurred in 2005 in North America alone, though the lack of a record system has resulted in misreporting and underestimation globally [13]. Competitive fishing events evolved alongside advancements in fishing gear, techniques, and transportation, enabling anglers to travel to distant water bodies for tournaments [8,13]. These historical developments reflect the growing sophistication and organization of competitive fishing, demonstrating its increasing popularity and the community’s passion for the sport.

In Greece, sport fishing, as a recreational fisheries activity, is characterized by the absence of a national registration process [15]. Specifically, in Greek inland waters, competitive sport fishing has been officially documented only since 2008. However, relevant data are limited or unavailable. There exists a gap in understanding the motivations of these specialized anglers, occasionally perceived as “elitists”, who partake in these events. Limited knowledge exists regarding their behaviors, expertise, perspectives, and environmental awareness levels. Addressing these aspects could greatly benefit conservation initiatives and environmental education programs tailored to their values and interests. The absence of comprehensive data in Greece presents a unique challenge and opportunity to explore this relatively under-researched area, potentially unveiling unique insights into the motivations and behaviors of Greek anglers.

The motivation behind this study was to fill the knowledge gap concerning competitive sport fishing in Greek inland waters. Understanding the profiles, motivations, and socio-demographic characteristics of anglers can inform better management practices and policy making. We gathered and analyzed digital fisheries data concerning competitive sport fishing competitions in Greek inland waters from online sources due to the lack of official data. Additionally, we conducted a questionnaire survey of participants in fishing competitions to evaluate their profiles. Our specific objectives were to analyze trends in the popularity of competitive sport fishing in Greece’s inland waters, identify the primary target species, elucidate the profiles of participating anglers, explore their motivations, and examine the socio-demographic factors influencing them and their perceptions of the sport and of fisheries management. By addressing the knowledge gap in this aspect of Greek fisheries, our research aims to provide insights that can inform future managerial actions. The outcomes of our research could guide the design of conservation initiatives and educational programs aligned with sport-fishing priorities. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing policies that support sustainable fishing practices and enhance the recreational fishing experience, ensuring the long-term viability of this culturally and economically important activity.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Data Collection

Initially, we contacted the active fishing clubs in Greece to acquire data concerning the number of registered members and the competitions they organize annually. However, in many cases, there was a lack of comprehensive records regarding their activities through the years; therefore, we conducted an internet survey to collect and analyze digital data on competitive sport fishing in the inland waters of Greece. Specifically, data were sourced from various online platforms including YouTube, Facebook, news websites, and more, using relevant keywords, primarily in Greek. These keywords included “recreational fishing”, “athletic fishing”, “sport fishing”, “fishing match”, “fishing tournament”, “festivals”, carp fishing”, “pike fishing”, “trout fishing”, “catfish fishing”, “bait”, and “anglers”. Searches were performed using search engines like Google and Microsoft Edge. Since our primary objectives were to analyze trends in the popularity of competitive sport fishing in Greece’s inland waters, identify the primary target species, elucidate the profiles of participating anglers, explore their motivations, and examine the socio-demographic factors influencing them and their perceptions of the sport and fisheries management, we further conducted a questionnaire research during the spring of 2023 among carp anglers who participated in two carp catch-and-release fishing competitions. These competitions took place in two lentic ecosystems located in Northern Greece, the Kerkini (on 17 March 2023) and Polyphytou (on 31 March 2023) reservoirs, each spanning two days. The interviewed participants were thoroughly prepared and equipped with suitable gear, bait, and tackle to endure overnight stays on the shores.

The questionnaire consisted of both closed-ended and open-ended questions covering a broad spectrum of topics (see Supplementary Material). Respondents were also encouraged to provide detailed information and anecdotes to enhance the richness of the data. The questionnaire’s structure encompassed four sections, beginning with inquiries regarding the estimation of the cost of the specific fishing trip they had undertaken and their investment in the activity. Following this, questions delved into their fishing practices, gear, exploration techniques, preferences, and the frequency of their angling activities. The third segment delved into their perspectives and environmental knowledge, probing their attitudes toward conservation and sustainable practices and their awareness of local ecosystems. Finally, demographic data were gathered, including information such as age, gender, location, and socio-economic status.

The questionnaire’s structure was finalized after a trial concerning its fulfillment and clarity that was conducted with a smaller sample before this research. The questionnaires were distributed to participants for completion, while a researcher (the same person on all occasions) was present nearby to address any possible queries that arose. We ensured that no participants replied twice. We explicitly requested this during the second competition, verifying that none of the participants had already completed the survey during the first competition. This precaution was taken to maintain the integrity and uniqueness of the data.

Each questionnaire was completed anonymously. Specifically, no identifying information was recorded, to ensure the sincerity of responses. Each respondent was informed at the beginning about the identity and role of the researcher, the assurance of their anonymity, and the objectives of the research. A total of 62 questionnaires were completed.

2.2. Statistical Analysis

A chi-squared test was conducted to evaluate whether there was a statistically significant association between the number of anglers and the categorical variables, such as age class, living area, annual income, educational level, and marital status. Furthermore, ANOVA was conducted to detect differences in the anglers’ fishing activity, particularly the fishing days per season and the fishing hours per season. Subsequently, a Spearman correlation matrix was computed to explore correlations between the anglers’ socio-demographic characteristics, fishing activities, motivations, and perspectives. This analysis was conducted using R (packages reshape2 [16], ggplot2 [17]). Additionally, generalized linear regression models (GLMs) were employed to examine whether the socio-demographic parameters influenced the anglers’ motivations. This analysis was further conducted in subgroups based on specific demographic characteristics to provide further insights into these relationships (R packages stats, base).

3. Results

3.1. Anglers’ Associations

Seven angler associations exclusively targeting freshwater species, predominantly carp, and participating in competitive events were identified. These associations were all situated in Northern and Central Greece, having names referencing either the name of a specific water body, like Lake Kerkini (the newest anglers’ fishing club, created in 2023), Lake Kastorias, or Lake Pamvotida, or cities proximal to their preferred fishing areas such as Ptolemaida or Kozani (see Appendix A for details). The most populated associations, namely those of Kozani, Kerkini, and Ptolepaida, have between 70 and 124 active members. However, only a subset of these members possesses athlete forms to participate in competitions, and even fewer participate. Furthermore, five additional angler associations, targeting mainly marine species, may also have members that participate in inland fishing competitions, particularly in those involving surface fishing with floats. Specifically, based on a rough estimation, fewer than 150 people currently participate in official fishing competitions conducted in Greek inland waters.

3.2. Fishing Competitions

Fishing competitions in Greek inland waters have a history dating back to 1984 and are primarily organized by local fishing angler associations. However, the lack of official record keeping has made it challenging to trace their history, a difficulty that persists for many contemporary events. Information about these competitions, including those conducted to this day, is primarily sourced from the internet. The first “official” fishing competition acknowledged by the Hellenic Federation of Underwater Activities and Sport Fishing (H.F.U.A.S.F.) in Greece’s inland waters commenced in 2008 with the inaugural national event (Figure 1a). Despite interruptions during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when competitions were suspended, the trend has been consistently upward (the number of 2024 competitions refers to the first four months of the year). Since 2008, nearly 90 fishing events have been tracked down through internet footprints. However, it is worth noting that the actual number of competitions and events is likely higher due to instances of misreporting.

The primary focus of fishing competitions has been on Cyprinus carpio (carp), although there have been instances of competitions targeting the species Esox lucius (pike) in Lake Cheimaditida (Figure 1b). Furthermore, a few surface fishing competitions have been recorded where all caught fish species were accounted for. Most of these competitions occurred in Northern Greece, where there is a higher concentration of both natural and artificial lakes (Figure 2).

3.3. Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Anglers

Competitive fishing appears to be a predominantly male-dominated activity, with only 1 woman among the 62 individuals interviewed fishing alongside her partner (Figure 3). The anglers were mainly middle-aged and lived in small provincial villages. Their income and educational level were moderate, while the vast majority were married (Figure 3).

Analysis revealed no significant differences in the distribution of anglers across income groups (χ² = 5.52, df = 3, p-value = 0.1374). However, statistically significant differences were observed between anglers based on their age classes (χ² = 35.541, df = 2, p-value < 0.001), living area type (χ² = 8.9661, df = 1, p-value < 0.001), education level (χ² = 37.186, df = 4, p-value < 0.001), and marital status (χ² = 37.396, df = 2, p-value < 0.001).

3.4. Anglers’ Fishing Experience, Knowledge Resources, and Activity

Most anglers began their recreational fishing in the 1990s, with an approximate 10-year time lag before they started participating in fishing competitions (Figure 4). They engage in online fishing forums and social media pages and browse the internet for tips, techniques, and stories shared by fellow anglers (87.5%). Moreover, they receive information on fishing-related issues primarily from anglers’ associations (37.5%) and, to a lesser extent, from fisheries offices (23.2%), mass media (17.9), and publications (19.6%) (note that when asked about their information sources, they could choose more than one option).

Their average fishing activity peaks during the summer (29 days) and autumn (22 days) (Figure 5). Conversely, the average fishing activity per trip or expenditure (in hours) remains relatively consistent throughout spring, summer, and autumn, but notably decreases in winter. ANOVA revealed significant differences among the seasons concerning the fishing days (Fcrit = 2.65, p-value < 0.05) but not the fishing hours per expenditure (p-value = 0.06).

Participants expressed a willingness to travel considerable distances for fishing, with some (5.3%) even venturing abroad (Figure 6).

3.5. The Activity’s Cost

Competitive fishing is indeed a costly sport, as evidenced by the expenses incurred for competition trips, gear ownership, and annual fishing-related expenditures (Figure 7). The mean estimated cost of a fishing trip was around EUR 200, with a maximum reported value of EUR 500. Additionally, the mean estimated gear cost was approximately EUR 5000, with the maximum reported gear cost reaching EUR 30,000. Furthermore, anglers faced a mean annual expense of around EUR 1750, with the maximum annual reported cost being EUR 6000, related to their fishing pursuits.

3.6. Target Species and Fish Handling

The primary target species (apart from the competitions) was carp, with lesser emphasis on pike, wels catfish, perch, and trout (Figure 8). However, some anglers reported targeting all commercial fishes within a water body, while others mentioned fishing also in marine environments (Figure 8).

The vast majority of the 61 respondents who answered the question about the fate of the caught fish stated that they catch-and-release almost 78% of the caught specimens, with catch-and-release being practiced exclusively by 68.8% of the interviewed anglers. Only one individual mentioned releasing solely 50% of the catch and gifting the remaining 50% to others (Figure 9).

3.7. Anglers’ Motivations

Relaxation was the most popular (96.7%) motivation for the interviewed anglers (Figure 10), followed by socialization (63.3%) and the fishing challenge (45%). However, all the provided motivation choices were selected by some anglers, revealing variability in the individual needs of the anglers.

3.8. Angler’s Perspectives

When asked about their concerns regarding fishing, the majority (71.9%) highlighted the non-compliance of the fishing community (including both professional fishermen and recreational anglers) with fishing regulations. Additionally, they noted the lack of infrastructure (54.4%) that could support their activity. Others mentioned the high number of both types of fishers (38.6%), which imposes significant fishing pressure on fish stocks (Figure 11).

When respondents were asked to freely share their perspectives on fisheries management and needs, they highlighted the importance of addressing the following issues:

• Implementing effective control measures during fishing prohibition periods.
• Addressing concerns regarding overfishing by professional fishermen.
• Addressing instances of abuses and lawlessness within the professional fishing community. Toward this, they specifically mentioned enforcement legislation concerning the use of professional gillnets (nylon nets, even though forbidden, are almost exclusively used by professional fishers in inland waters of Greece).
• Utilizing lakes and dams for tourist purposes.
• Implementing oversight measures for both professionals and amateurs.
• Implementing measures to monitor foreign fishermen.
• Making necessary changes to legislation governing inland waters.
• Establishing legislation to regulate recreational and sports fishing.
• Establishing protection and control bodies to oversee fisheries management.
• Recognizing the need for fisheries biologists within the fisheries department to support the development of recreational fishing.

3.9. Anglers’ Ecological Knowledge

The anglers were familiar with the term “overfishing”, mentioning that many fish species’ stocks are overexploited (Figure 12).

When queried about their awareness of other fish species present in the lake they were fishing in on the survey day, anglers predominantly cited commercially valuable species (Figure 13). Specifically, only 28 anglers responded to this question, with 4 of them indicating that they were unaware of any other species besides carp.

3.10. Seeking the Determinants of Anglers’ Motivations

The Spearman correlation between anglers’ socio-economic characteristics, fishing activities, motivations, and perceptions revealed relatively strong correlations between (a) the year anglers started competing and the year they started fishing, (b) the motivation of pursuing fishing because “its_free” and fishing for “food”, and (c) the motivation of pursuing fishing because “its_free” and the perception of “easy_access” (Figure A1, Appendix A). However, it was found that the “relaxation” variable did not show any specific correlation with other parameters (thus, it is not presented in Figure A1) due to the uniformity of the values recorded for “relaxation” across the dataset.

In addition, no significant relationships were found in the generalized linear model (GLM) analysis between the fishers’ motivations and their socio-demographic characteristics.

4. Discussion

4.1. Popularity and Community Engagement

The current study underscores the rising popularity of sport fishing in Greece’s inland waters, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of fishing competitions held in the country. This trend is accompanied by a growing angling community engaging in fishing clubs and online forums, where they exchange knowledge, experiences, and tips with fellow enthusiasts, and is in alignment with the trend regarding the activity worldwide [18].

4.2. Sample Size and Representativeness

The sample size of 62 respondents utilized in our study should be considered in the context of the population we are examining. Competitive angling, particularly in Greece, represents a niche community. According to our background research and available data, the total population of anglers participating in such competitions in Greece is relatively small. While precise numbers are challenging to ascertain, estimates suggest that the population is limited to around 100 to 150 individuals. Consequently, a sample size of 62 respondents constitutes a significant proportion (62% and 41.3%, respectively) of this population.

4.3. Demographic Insights

Our study revealed a male dominance in recreational fishing, consistent with global trends, where women constitute an average of 2–5% of anglers in most countries [19,20,21]. The fact that the only woman who participated in our study was fishing alongside her spouse suggests a potential pattern of women being less involved independently in the activity. The fact that among the responders were inhabitants of both small villages and big cities incorporates the belief that recreational angling is an important leisure activity for all [21,22].

4.4. Commitment to Fishing

Most respondents demonstrated a high level of angling experience, having started fishing in the 1990s. This, combined with the relatively high number of days they fish annually and their willingness to travel considerable distances for fishing, indicates a strong commitment to the activity.

The relatively high estimated mean cost of the fishing trips during which the interviews were conducted reflects the significant financial investment competitive anglers are willing to undertake. In contrast, the high mean cost of buying gear highlights the substantial expenditure associated with acquiring and maintaining fishing equipment. Lastly, the mean annual expense of around EUR 1750 related to their fishing pursuits underscores the ongoing financial commitment required to engage in this recreational activity.

The above are indicative of the activity’s contribution to the local economy. The spending on travel, accommodation, and other local services during fishing trips supports local businesses and stimulates economic growth in the regions frequented by anglers. The investment in gear and equipment, often purchased from local retailers, further boosts economic activity and supports local employment.

4.5. Conservation Practices

The notable prevalence of catch-and-release practices among the competitive anglers interviewed in our study mirrors the widespread acceptance of this approach within the Greek angling community. Their primary motivation for embracing catch-and-release stems from a shared commitment to conserving fish stocks, particularly those heavily targeted for harvest. This conservation ethic is consistent with practices promoted by fishing clubs, aiming to enhance the potential for trophy catches and often mandated during fishing competitions as a conservation measure [21,23,24,25].

4.6. Anglers’ Motivations

The main anglers’ motivation was relaxation, indicating the human need to escape to nature. This finding is in accordance with numerous studies concerning recreational fishing motivations worldwide [21,26]. The absence of a significant relationship between this motivation and socio-demographic and economic factors is also indicative of the catholic character of this human need [25]. In addition, socialization and the desire to be with friends emerged as another significant motivation, which was expected, as being with friends has been numerously proved as a major component of recreational fishing [27]. Interestingly, research on the motivations of competitive anglers (i.e., [28]) revealed that the need for public perception and reputation emerged as a major factor influencing their behavior. Such motivations may be indirectly reflected in the motivation for “competition” observed in our study. Anglers seeking recognition and status within the fishing community may be driven by a desire to excel in competitive environments, contributing to the overall motivation for engaging in fishing tournaments.

4.7. Legislative Gaps and Recommendations

The gap in Greek legislation concerning fisheries and fishing activity in inland waters has been brought to light by the anglers’ perspectives, shedding light on deficiencies in various aspects. Updating legislation is imperative. Currently, shortcomings in fishing regulations exacerbate the situation, especially due to the absence of proper controls, which in turn creates opportunities for illegal activities. To address these issues, several urgent measures are needed. Initially, establishing maximum catch limits for professional fishing is essential to ensure sustainable management of fish stocks and prevent overexploitation. Additionally, mandating licenses for recreational fishing is crucial to regulate and monitor angling activities effectively [21]. These measures not only promote responsible fishing practices, but also help prevent revenue loss for the Greek state and contribute to the long-term sustainability of inland water fisheries.

4.8. Ecological Awareness

The surveyed anglers exhibited a commendable familiarity with the most commercially significant fish species and fishing regulations. However, their knowledge appeared to be somewhat limited concerning smaller-bodied species and missing the broader ecosystem dynamics. Introducing targeted programs aimed at enhancing ecological awareness could prove instrumental in providing anglers with a more comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem structure and function. Environmental education initiatives play a crucial role in empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions and take responsible actions. By promoting environmental literacy and fostering a deeper connection with nature, such programs have the potential to inspire positive change and collective efforts toward environmental conservation and stewardship. It is worth noting that recreation specialization can significantly influence anglers’ environmental behavior, particularly in terms of their commitment to environmental protection. Specifically, anglers who specialize in specific recreational pursuits tend to exhibit a heightened concern for environmental conservation and sustainability [29,30]. This highlights the importance of tailoring environmental education efforts to the needs and interests of different angler groups, ultimately fostering a greater sense of environmental responsibility within the angling community.

4.9. Future Research

In Greece, recreational fishing operates without the requirement of a license, granting anglers the freedom to pursue their hobby without formal authorization. However, this lack of regulation extends to the monitoring of both commercial and recreational fisheries, resulting in a dearth of essential data on catches, fishermen, anglers, and the pressure exerted on local fish stocks. This information gap exacerbates tensions between recreational anglers and professional fishermen and complicates fisheries management efforts. Moreover, the limited availability of data on recreational fishing is a widespread issue in many countries [25]. To address these challenges, researchers have employed innovative data-gathering approaches such as web scraping [31] and conducting interviews. Leveraging digital data, including information from online forums, social media platforms, and specialized angling websites, has emerged as a promising tool. By analyzing digital footprints such as posts, comments, photos, and geotagged information, valuable insights can be gleaned into anglers’ preferences, behaviors, and favored fishing locations. This approach offers researchers and authorities a more comprehensive understanding of target species, popular fishing spots, angling techniques, and their potential impact on local ecosystems. Furthermore, digital data analysis enables the identification of trends and patterns over time, facilitating the development of targeted management strategies and conservation efforts. For example, monitoring changes in angler activity levels or the adoption of specific fishing techniques can inform adaptive management practices aimed at sustaining healthy fish populations and preserving natural habitats. In addition to digital data analysis, research studies involving interviews have proven to be particularly valuable, especially in cases where scientific research on ecosystems is lacking [32,33,34]. These interviews not only provide essential fishing data but also contribute to a deeper understanding of ecosystems, thereby informing the establishment of effective management plans. Overall, the integration of innovative data-gathering approaches holds promise for addressing knowledge gaps and enhancing fisheries management in Greece and beyond.

4.10. Policy and Sustainability Recommendations

Given the insights gained from this study, it is evident that there is a need for targeted policy and sustainability measures to support the competitive angling community and ensure the long-term health of Greek inland water fisheries. Establishing a comprehensive national registration process for competitive and recreational anglers would provide accurate data on participation and help monitor the impact on fish stocks [21]. Strengthening regulations and enforcement mechanisms is essential to prevent illegal fishing activities and ensure compliance with sustainable fishing practices. Developing educational programs to increase anglers’ awareness of ecosystem dynamics and the importance of conservation, tailored to different angler groups, would promote environmental literacy. Encouraging the formation and growth of fishing clubs and online forums can facilitate knowledge exchange and foster a conservation-oriented community. Additionally, continuously gathering data through innovative methods like digital footprint analysis and interviews will enable adaptive and refined management strategies. By implementing these measures, Greece can enhance the sustainability of its inland water fisheries, support the angling community, and ensure the long-term viability of this important recreational activity.

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, this study underscores the value of incorporating digital data from the internet and interviews in fisheries research, particularly in the absence of robust monitoring procedures. By leveraging such data, we were able to provide valuable insights into Greek inland competitive fishing, including historical perspectives, angler profiles, and motivations. Our findings reveal a growing popularity of sport fishing in Greece, as evidenced by the increasing number of fishing competitions and a burgeoning angling community. However, the sport remains largely male-dominated, with women comprising a minority of participants. Despite this, there is a strong conservation ethic among anglers, demonstrated by the widespread adoption of catch-and-release practices to preserve fish stocks. The surveyed anglers were primarily motivated by relaxation and socialization, with competitive aspirations also influencing their engagement. The study also highlights legislative gaps in inland water fisheries regulations, emphasizing the need for updates to ensure sustainable management and curb illegal activities. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to enhance anglers’ ecological awareness through targeted education initiatives. Incorporating the above can promote responsible fishing practices and contribute to the long-term sustainability of inland water fisheries, supporting their sustainable management.