The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources told the Southeastern Region RAC that a statewide angler survey shows anglers overwhelmingly value solitude and that the division will adjust management, marketing and regulations to serve a diverse fishing community.

Craig Walker of the division summarized the study conducted in partnership with Utah State University researchers. "The primary reason for people going fishing is the fact that they want to escape and pursue solitude," Walker said, summarizing a key finding. The presentation said anglers are diverse in target species, locations and gear but share a common desire for solitude and that anglers introduced to fishing when young are most likely to remain active and take youth fishing.

Nut graf: The division plans to use the study findings to manage water bodies to provide a variety of experiences, conduct targeted outreach, disperse angler pressure to reduce crowding, and prioritize investments in rural fisheries that can offer solitude.

Details and next steps: Walker said the division will "cater to the needs of these various different subgroups" and manage water bodies and regulations to maintain healthy fish densities and satisfactory catch rates. He said maintaining the state's long-term per-capita angling participation rate of about 12 percent is a priority.

An economic presentation by Trina Hedrick reinforced the survey's significance for local economies; she called the results "impressive" and said high-quality fishing contributes jobs and revenue. The RAC discussed how the division will turn survey findings into specific regulatory proposals; Walker said regulations may be adjusted in coming years to sustain fish population densities as angler numbers grow.

Local outreach and events: The regional update also noted staffing changes for aquatic positions, boat-in and native-aquatic surveys along the Colorado River to check for invasive species, and upcoming community events (a "Moab bat night" and an Emery County waterfowl clinic) as part of outreach.

Ending: The division said the survey will guide targeted marketing, habitat management and regulatory adjustments and that the RAC will see proposed regulation changes when recommended; no formal action was taken at the meeting on fisheries rules.