Anglers' Motivations for Volunteering with Fishing or Conservation Organizations

Each year many individuals volunteer their time with fishing or conservation organizations. Research has shown the importance of organizational volunteers in the effectiveness of environmental stewardship; however, the literature on motivations for environmental volunteering is limited. This study examined the motivations of licensed recreational anglers for volunteering with fishing or conservation organizations. Data were collected through the 2012 Texas statewide angler study (n = 1,888), which queries licensed recreational anglers. Results showed that 454 individuals are members of fishing or conservation organizations and of those members, 153 individuals responded that they volunteer. Anglers volunteered an average of 10 years and 33 hours annually. Motivations were analyzed using principal components analysis yielding three dimensions: "helping/learning about the environment," "social," and "policy." Study results have implications for those who work with volunteers in targeting recruitment based on volunteers' values: protecting the environment, meeting new people, and influencing policy decisions. Other implications for voluntary associations and agencies include a formalized program for recognition/rewards through using T-shirts, hats, etc., and timing volunteer projects to people's schedules; for example, weekend-long events. Future research is suggested on the value orientations of volunteers in the natural environment and collecting more representative data nationally.