In this paper we model recreational anglers' decisions to voluntarily release their catch
to improve fish stock conservation. Using a random utility framework, we compare anglers' utility of
retaining and consuming fish versus increased stock conservation achieved by fish releases. The analysis
is based on a dataset of fish landings from anglers fishing for salmon and sea trout in Ireland during
the seasons 2010--2016. Results indicate that there is a statistically significant inverse association
between the weight of a fish and the probability of release, with larger fish more likely to be
retained for consumption. On average, anglers were willing to sacrifice around 2.5 kg of fish to
improve conservation of salmon and sea trout stocks, with a median value of 1.48. Results also
indicate that the release probability varies based on fishing methods, with the use of spinners, flyfishing
and shrimps as bait to be more likely to be used for catch and release and live bait (i.e.
worms) to retain the fish. Licence types and anglers' nationality are also important variables explaining
release probability
