Reconciliation of the Conflict Between Otters and Fish Farmers: Lessons Learned from Sado Estuary in Portugal

Abstract

In Portugal coastal fish farming is a growing economic activity receiving financial incentives from the EU Community Structural Policy as a response to the decrease of sea fish stocks. At the same time Portugal is known to hold one of the most viable otter populations in Europe, setting the ground for a conflict scenario between fish farmers and conservationists. The Reconciliation Action Plan presented here, and illustrated by the study—case of Sado estuary, is structured in three phases, outlining respectively the ecological and socio-economic contexts of the conflict, the following assessments, and the resulting recommendations applicable to this conflict for successful reconciliation. Using ecological and socio-economic parameters, the study concerned 14 estuarine fish farms. Results indicate high visiting rates in most fish farms although only in few, species stocked were the most consumed prey. The conflict was quite consensual among fish farmers, although large gaps between effective and perceived predation were identified. No specific instruments exist in Portugal to address the conflict, but some not specifically targeted can have an effect, although with limitations to effectively contribute to its mitigation. Formulating solutions is the following step, using a participatory approach to the development and evaluation of mitigation/compensation strategies, capable of providing an effective reconciliation of the conflict.