A study has been issued detailing why people fish in the Marlborough Sounds.
Recreational fishermen in the Sounds were questioned over 38 days last summer.
Participants said they valued being outdoors and the fun of catching a fish more highly than skill development or pursuing trophy catches.
An estimate has also been issued, that about 140,000 fish are caught in the Sounds each year.
The most sought after fish is blue cod, with snapper a close second.
The study was funded by the Ministry of Fisheries.
