Mussel fishery in the international Wadden Sea, consistent with “wise use”?

Abstract

Three definitions of the concept “wise use” with regard to the mussel fisheries in the Wadden Sea are discussed. A description is given of the effects of the mussel fishery on the ecosystem, the conflict between mussel-and shrimp-fishers and the economic importance for the Wadden area. It is concluded that concerning mussel fishery wise use can be defined as a combination of “sustainable use” with “a fair distribution of natural raw materials and recognition of the interests of the inhabitants of the area”. Two conditions must be fulfilled before the mussel fishery in the Wadden Sea can meet this definition: • -a national management that weighs the interests of the mussel fishery against those of other forms of fishery; • -an international coordination of mussel fishery management. A hypothesis and a recommendation are formulated about the people's role in wetland management.