Abstract
Recreational fisheries increasingly face pressure to balance diverse angler preferences with ecological sustainability. This study uses Best-Worst Scaling to evaluate how anglers in Utah’s Blue Ribbon Fisheries prioritize site attributes. Results indicate high value on both abundant fish and natural beauty. Latent Class Analysis identifies two segments: catch-focused and eco-focused anglers. Conditional Logit and Random Parameter Logit models highlight the importance of accounting for heterogeneity in site choice. Findings suggest that uniform regulations may neglect angler diversity. Integrated management enhancing fish stocks, water quality, and scenic conditions, while addressing crowding and infrastructure, better aligns with angler priorities and sustainability.
