Kocsis, Amber. 2003. Understanding diversity among participants in the Chitina Subdistrict dipnet fishery. M.S.
This study examined motivations of participants in the Chitina Subdistrict
Personal Use Dipnet Fishery in Chitina, Alaska. Participation in this
salmon fishery had steadily increased from 1984 to 1998, hitting its record
high of 10,006 participants in 1998. Since 1998, participation has declined
and abruptly dropped to 6,851 in 2002. The classification for this fishery
has changed three times since 1984. In addition, the fishery has been
in significant conflict with other users of the salmon resources. Identifying
sub-groups within this user population will aid in understanding the needs
of the users, their motivations for using this fishery, and the psychological
benefits that they derive by participating in this fishery. A mail questionnaire
was administered to a sample of participants from the 2000 season. The
response rate was 78.8%. Using the Recreation Experience Preference framework,
four factors were deduced that have significance to the users of this
fishery. Three subgroups, ranging in size from 19.2% to 42.5% of the sample,
were identified through a cluster analysis. Segment A places highest priority
on Consumption Orientation and Traditional Lifestyle. Segment B places
highest value on Outdoor Escape and Family Bonding, as does Segment C.
Segment B also places high value on Social Bonding and Physical Exercise.
In fact, Consumption Orientation and Traditional Lifestyle was highly
rated by all three segments. From these results, it is clear that Chitina
dipnetters value the opportunity to catch salmon at Chitina but also have
other varying motivations for using the fishery.