Baltic Seal Reconciliation in Practice: The Seal Conflict and its Mitigation in Sweden and Finland

Abstract

This chapter presents the results of case studies on human-wildlife conflicts conducted in Sweden and Finland. In both cases the conflict is between the conservation of the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and small-scale coastal fishing. The characteristics of the conflict between grey seal protection and fishery can be shown by way of a systematic comparison between the two countries and model regions as done here. Thus one can also better see what can be learned from the comparison of the cases. The main messages from both case studies in the Baltic Sea are formulated with regard to the significance of coastal fishery (as resource manager, not only resource user), with regard to single conflict mitigation measures, such as seal hunting and technical solutions to the conflict, and with regard to a combination of measures and overall approaches to conflict management. All these messages converge to the conclusion that much more can be learned from the management of the seal conflict than the resolution of that specific conflict: one by one the lessons learnt turn out to be steps of a more encompassing strategy of sustainable resource management in the coastal zone.