Stakeholder preferences and consensus associated with managing an endangered aquatic predator: the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)

Abstract

ABSTRACTUnderstanding public preferences is necessary for managing conservation conflicts. We used a face-to-face survey of 514 Greek residents to investigate preferences for managing damage to fish stocks by the endangered Eurasian otter. Similarities in acceptability and consensus were higher between the general public and recreational fishers, and lower between these groups and commercial fishers. Commercial fishers were proponents of management interventions, whereas the general public and recreational fishers were neutral. Compensation was preferred by all stakeholders, but fencing was favored only by commercial fishers. More invasive approaches were largely rejected, whereas increased factual knowledge about otter biology, taxonomy, and conservation increased the acceptability of noninvasive approaches. These findings could be used for informing the process of managing conflict between otter conservation and fisher interests aiming to achieve the long-term protection of otter populations and mitigating their potential impacts on fisheries and livelihoods.