ECO-RECREATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY: THE ROLE OF SPORT FISHING IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the potential of sport fishing as an eco-recreational activity that promotes environmental awareness and sustainability within a university context. Grounded in a qualitative interpretive research design using thematic analysis, the study explores the experiences and perceptions of students, faculty members, and community participants at Universiti Selangor (UNISEL) regarding their engagement in sport fishing as part of campus sustainability initiatives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and document analysis to capture the multidimensional relationship between recreational practices and environmental values. Thematic analysis identified five emergent themes: (1) development of ecological awareness, (2) cultivation of ethical responsibility toward nature, (3) emotional and restorative connection to the aquatic environment, (4) enhancement of social learning and collaboration, and (5) integration of sport fishing into institutional sustainability culture. The findings suggest that sporting fishing serves not merely as a leisure pursuit but also as a transformative educational medium that reinforces sustainability literacy, fosters community engagement, and supports the holistic realisation of a green campus ecosystem.