Understanding Consumptive Orientations in Rock Fishing: A Taiwanese Case Study for Sustainable Fisheries

Abstract

This study adapts and validates the Consumptive Orientation Scale (COS) for licensed rock anglers at Keelung Islet, Taiwan, to clarify attitudinal structures relevant to sustainable recreational fisheries management. An SMS-distributed, web-based survey was sent to the official roster of licensed rock anglers (4036 invitees); 651 usable responses were obtained (16.1%). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a four-factor, 13-item solution with good fit and acceptable internal consistency. Inter-factor correlations indicated related yet distinct attitudes: Catching Something correlated positively with Catching Numbers of Fish and with Retaining Fish; Catching Numbers of Fish correlated positively with Catching Large/Trophy Gamefish; and Catching Large/Trophy Gamefish correlated negatively with Retaining Fish, while the association between Catching Numbers of Fish and Retaining Fish was weak and non-significant. These patterns delineate heterogeneous attitudinal profiles without inferring observed handling outcomes, consistent with cross-cultural validation studies of COS in other angling contexts. The validated instrument strengthens the theoretical linkage between consumptive orientation and the human dimensions of fisheries, enabling tracking of attitudinal segments over time. Findings also inform adaptive communication and policy strategies for emerging recreational fisheries in East Asia, where angler-focused conservation norms are still developing.