Methodological approaches to the collection of information on the assessment of the intensity of recreational fishing

Purpose. Based on authors' materials, to develop an original method of collecting and processing information to determine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of recreational fishing in water bodies of Ukraine. Methodology. The work is based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of ichthyological material obtained from anglers' catches in the Kakhovka, Dnipro (Zaporizhzhia), Kamianske, Pechenezhsky reservoirs and their tributaries in different seasons of 2003–2022. Data collection and processing were carried out according to generally accepted methods. The statistical material was processed using MS Excel. Findings. Based on the analysis of modern recreational fishing as a factor affecting the structural and functional characteristics of ichthyofauna, the main trends of studies for the development of measures for the regulation of this type of nature use have been determined. Methodological recommendations have been prepared for the collection of factual data on the parameters of recreational fishing in water bodies of Ukraine. An approach to determining the parameters characterizing the visitation of the reservoir by recreational fishermen, species composition and quantitative characteristics of catches has been proposed. Typical forms of information collection have been proposed. Originality. For the first time for Ukraine, an original method of collecting and processing information for the assessment of qualitative and quantitative parameters of recreational fishing has been developed. Practical value. The proposed methodological approaches will be used to record the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of recreational fishing in water bodies of Ukraine both by scientists and by bodies implementing the state policy in the field of protection and exploitation of aquatic biological resources.