Published article

Local attitudes towards management measures for the co-existence of seals and coastal fishery - A Swedish case study, Marine Policy 118: 104018


Authors: Åsa Waldo  Maria Johansson  Johan Blomquist  Torbjörn Jansson  Sara Königson  Sven-Gunnar Lunneryd  Anders Persson  Staffan Waldo 


Marine mammals and coastal fisheries are two features commonly associated with thriving marine environments, but it is also a case of wildlife impact on human interests. This paper analyses the seal-fisheries encounter in a Swedish Baltic Sea fishery. The problem concerns seals eating fish from the fishing gear which causes considerable economic losses to small-scale fishermen. This mixed-method study addresses local attitudes towards management measures that might be introduced. A questionnaire was sent to all households in three traditional fishing villages and interviews were conducted with local stakeholders. The results show a consensus that something needs to be done or the local fishery cannot continue. Economic compensation for lost catches is viewed as a short-term strategy, while investment subsidies for seal-proof gear are considered positive but problematic due to low efficiency of the new gear. The management measure viewed as most positive in the local context is hunting. In general, a more active management is perceived as urgent for the survival of the small-scale coastal fishery in the studied area.

Authors:

Åsa Waldo

Maria Johansson


Johan Blomquist


Torbjörn Jansson

Sara Königson

Sven-Gunnar Lunneryd

Anders Persson


Staffan Waldo