THE NEED FOR SPECIALIZED FISHERIES-RECREATION FACILITIES IN THE EXPLOITATION OF SURFACE WATERS

Sławomir Różański

Katedra Rybactwa Jeziorowego i Rzecznego UWM Olsztyn

ABSTRACT. The fisheries-recreation exploitation of lakes and rivers has led to the creation of particular challenges. As in market economics, solutions of these issues can be found through specializations. Tourism, which can be defined as taking relaxation away from home, is a luxurious way of spending money that is undertaken of free will and is meant to meet specific needs. Even without leaving one’s area of residence for tourism, it is possible to take advantage of the benefits of this specialization and to benefit from recreation. This article draws attention to the needs of this specialization which permits achieving economic and natural advantages from recreation through the appropriate exploitation of natural conditions. It also focuses on the possibility of improving joint exploitation of surface waters through better cooperation between fisheries and recreation users. Five natural factors are discussed that to a minimal degree are beneficial to providers of recreational opportunities. These include the following: the choice between lakes and rivers; the preferred size of lakes; the immediate vicinity of beaches and swimming areas; the distance of buildings and recreational facilities from lake shores; the acceptable water purity of lake waters. The answers to chosen questions confirm that meeting in full various needs simultaneously in one location is impossible. Varied expectations can lead to conflicts. A “recreational supermarket” at a desirable lake with attractions for “everybody” might be an unattractive proposition for some tourists who have other expectations; not the least of which is peace and quiet. Specialized facilities would permit tourists to meet the majority of the less popular recreational needs, lead to improved fishing conditions, reduce the causes of some conflicts, and help to effectively protect valuable resources. There will be no lack of guests at specialized facilities, for example those on small lakes without beaches located in the country far away urbanized areas and catering “only” to anglers. Other specialized facilities might include ones located on the shores of medium to large lakes with stretches of shoreline that are free of improvements and are dedicated to limited use. These would provide areas attractive to those who value peace and quiet and would like to relax far from crowded beaches. Certainly there are tourists ready and willing to pay for the luxury of relaxing in peace far from crowds. The distribution of unimproved stretches of shore (natural beaches) should be designated in consultation with those who exploit the fisheries of lakes and in consideration of spatial planning. Not many local governments have taken into consideration the need for designating an adequately wide zone of unspoiled shoreline that is accessible to all. This limits substantially the exploitation of lakes and rivers for these specialized purposes. Tourists who are aware of environmental needs and who visit these specialized facilities are often familiar with the surroundings and the inhabitants; these users are frequently understanding of the needs of fishers with regard to lakes and rivers. For fishers, the results of the studies done for tourist facilities regarding the expectations of tourists at certain lakes or stretches of rivers will be valuable. With this knowledge, they will be able to negotiate effectively in the planning process of shoreline development and achieve economically effective solutions that will meet their needs.

Key words: fisheries, recreation, lakes, exploitation specializations, environmental impact, economic benefits, questionnaire studies