Attitudes to forest conditions and fishing activities in the mountain area in Japan

Stream fishing plays a key role in provisioning services for obtaining fish, and also provides cultural services in terms of enjoyable walking along streams while listening to the sounds of flowing water. However, in Japan, the economic value of stream fishing has been emphasised mainly from the viewpoint of the fishing industry. Few attempts have been made to estimate the socioeconomic importance of stream fishing as an ecosystem service. In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted to elucidate the current status of stream-fishing activities and people's awareness of forest conditions. The contributions of stream fishing to the local economy were evaluated in terms of fry release and angler numbers. Respondents to the questionnaire reported changes in the forest and reduced numbers of fish. However, there were considerable differences in recognising the importance of both the forest and fishing, based on the respondents' residential area and whether they interacted with the forest. Distance from the mountains, potential for industrial activity, depopulation, and interest in mountains and nature closely influenced the respondents' behaviour. In an area where many people regard fishing as a source of food, specific fish were collected, the respondents fished all year round and ate the fish they caught. In this area, and considerable amounts of fish were harvested. Because people want to catch and eat many stream fish, the quantities of fry released has also increased, which might attract anglers from other regions, increasing the numbers of anglers. This would contribute to greater quantities of fish being harvested from this area in the future. In providing incentives for anglers, some people may be destroying their local natural environment. The goal of appreciating the scenic beauty of the landscape while having a low environmental impact is needed to ensure the preservation of local natural areas.