We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Promoting acceptance of a process to develop a Seal-Fishery Conflict Management Plan for the coastal waters of the German Baltic Sea (Mensch-Robbe)
Project
Project code: TI-OF-08-OF-2022-2484, 35468/01
Contract period: 01.02.2022
- 31.07.2023
Purpose of research: Applied research
As pleasing as the return of the gray seals is from a nature conservation perspective, it poses major challenges for artisanal coastal fisheries. A planned conflict management plan in M-V is intended to achieve peaceful coexistence between gray seals and fishermen. But how does this look like? Grey seals were long considered extinct on the German Baltic coast. However, they have been reestablishing themselves here for about 10 years and their population is increasing rapidly. From the fisher's perspective, there are three main problems: (1) loss of catch due to fish already caught being eaten away from the fisher's gill nets or feeding damage to the catch, (2) damage to fishing gear by grey seals, and (3) reduced catches due to the direct impact of grey seals on fish stocks. While the now initiated process to develop a conflict management plan in M-V is an important and correct step, it carries the risk that the goal of peaceful coexistence between grey seals and fishers will not be achieved due to a lack of acceptance on the part of the fishery and a strong focus on financial compensation and technical alternatives to gill nets. In addition, the focus on the conflict between humans and wildlife, see also the naming of the management plan process. However, this focus on conflict a priori is problematic, because it does not take into account the various forms of relationships between stakeholders and wildlife, which vary from disapproval to approval, thereby excluding a potential range in conservation planning. This project aims to add a social science dimension to the creation of the conflict management plan and places people (stakeholders) at the center of consideration.
Section overview
Subjects
- Communication Sciences
- Genetic Resources
