Technological economics of the management of game fisheries with particular reference to the development of Scottish trout waters

Abstract

In 1971 the government White Paper on game angling in Scotland stated that there existed a great need to make more waters available to the resident population and to visitors in Scotland. In order to bring about this development a complete re-organisation of angling was suggested including the evolution of a new body to organise trout angling in Scotland, the Scottish Anglers’ Trust (SAT). This thesis examines these statements in very broad terms and, from a study of the angling industry in Scotland, it is apparent that there is in fact considerable evidence of under utilisation of many waters. However further analysis of the industry reveals that there is some excess demand over supply for certain types of water, namely well managed fisheries intended for intensive utilisation by anglers. There is therefore some need for development of more waters. From a detailed discussion and analysis of the demand for game angling in Scotland it is thought that locational factors will be important in determining sales: thus the SAT and indeed the private entrepreneur, in locating a new fishery which is intended for intensive angling, must take account of the population distribution and competitive forces around any potential site. A thorough examination of the management of game fisheries reveals that the costs of running an intensively fished water are likely to be quite considerable and there is a need for the careful assessment of management techniques to ensure that management is carried out in a technologically-economic manner. The government intend that the SAT will be a financially self-sufficient body after an initial tree year peris of Exchequer support. From a detailed study of the role of the SAT the following points emerge: it is envisaged that some difficulties in the acquisition of waters may be encountered; running costs of the SAT will be high and it is not clear that the self-sufficiency objective can be satisfied. However it may be possible for the SAT to stimulate some government intervention to assist with the acquisition of waters, and, some financial support of the government, if this is found necessary, may be justified if the impact of the holiday angler on the local economy could be investigated further by the SAT.