Applications and characteristics of angler diary programmes in Ontario, Canada

Angler diary programmes (n = 46, 1979-1997) implemented in Ontario by the O ntario Ministry of Natural Resources are reviewed, and the different uses o f angler diary programmes, levels of participation and differences in progr amme design are reported. In Ontario, angler diary use is common, but succe ssful application is limited. This review revealed a variety of uses and ap proaches for administering angler diary programmes. Problems arise when pro grammes are initiated without the complete commitment of the administrators and agency, or when there is no regular review so adaptive changes can be made. If administrators realize the potential biases and problems associate d with diaries, and design programmes to control them, angler diaries can p rovide favourable cost-effective results. With reduced funding and staffing constraints, angler diary programmes could become the primary method of da ta collection for specialized and remote fisheries.