Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institut für Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften

Recreational fisheries constitute the dominant fisheries activity in freshwater ecosystems of most countries of the temperate regions. Yet, research on recreational fisheries appears parochial, with a strong national orientation and few theoretical frameworks guiding empirical research. Furthermore, the holistic study of the human dimensions of recreational fisheries has received limited attention, particularly in Europe. This does not correspond with the fact that recreational fisheries management is today as much people as fish stock management. One of the most pressing needs in recreational fisheries governance is to identify, understand and manage ‘people conflicts’ because such conflicts can hamper any progress towards sustainability. Therefore, in this paper the literature on intrasectoral and intersectoral user and management conflicts is reviewed. The insights gained are summarized in a qualitative conflict model that centres on core variables fostering conflicts in recreational fisheries. These variables include social (cultural, institutional, emotional, communicative and group-related) as well as individual (activity style, resource specificity, mode of experience and lifestyle tolerance) factors that influence and reinforce each other. Ultimately, conflict has to be addressed by appropriate management actions. Thus, the present article ends with implications that might aid in solving conflicts in recreational fisheries management and conservation