Fisheries and economics

Abstract

Pike have been a prized food resource for many centuries. Pike remains from archaeological excavations at York, England, have been dated to Roman times (Jones, 1988), and angling artefacts (brass and iron spoons) from the 9th to 13th centuries AD have been reported from Poland (Rulewicz, 1974). Subsistence fishing for pike still continues today (Andrews, 1989) and commercial pike fisheries represent a small but important part of the fishing industry in several countries. A major change during the 20th century has been the expansion of sport fisheries, especially for pike, Esox lucius, and muskellunge, E. masquinongy. The resulting increase in fishing pressure has compelled more rigorous management of many esocid fisheries.