Resource and activity substitutes for recreational salmon fishing in New Zealand

Abstract

This article develops a typology of substitution alternatives to clarify the relationship between resource and activity substitutes. The present study examines anglers’ perceptions of resource and activity substitutes for salmon angling on the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers. Both rivers are noted for good quality fishing and are close enough for day trips from Christchurch, the major population center on New Zealand's South Island. For resource substitutes, most anglers indicated that rivers distant from Christchurch were not substitutes because the drive took too long; the expense and low salmon numbers were less frequently cited reasons. For rivers close to Christchurch that were not considered substitutes, fewer salmon and poor fishing conditions were the more common reasons. Anglers were also asked about trade‐offs between the Rakaia and Waimakariri. Responses indicated that the two rivers are not considered equal in value even though they are most often named by anglers as the best substitutes for each other. For activity substitutes, other types of fishing activities were generally not considered substitutes that provide the same benefits as salmon fishing. Similarly, the majority indicated that nonfishing activities were not substitutes. Taken together, these results suggest that some recreation experiences are fairly unique, with few other resources or activities offering substitutes that provide the same benefits from the user's point of view.