Paper short abstract:

Incentives, driving illegal fishing gear use, have not been addressed by policy makers in Dagestan, Russia. Fisher perspectives can provide insight on measures and approaches needed to reduce reliance on illegal fishing generating high rates of bycatch mortality for endangered seal.

Paper long abstract:

In the Caspian Sea small-scale, illegal fisheries have pushed the five resident sturgeon species to the brink of extinction and generate high rates of bycatch mortality for the endangered, endemic Caspian seal (Pusa caspica). To date attempts at management have focused on bolstering law enforcement and fisheries regulations. These do little to reduce underlying incentives to participate in lucrative illegal activities. Studying perceptions among fishers on biodiversity, socio-economic factors allows areas of difference and consensus relevant to policy on unsustainable resource use to be identified. We present the results of a Q-study carried out in autumn 2018, with 52 participants, including illegal fishers and traders from Dagestan (Russian Federation). Participants were asked to respond to questions about seal conservation organized around issue themes: value of fisheries/seals, use of bio-resources, perception of authorities and fishery regulation. Distinct stakeholder groups emerged from a factor analysis, which we designated as “nostalgists”, “optimists” and “pessimists”. Nostalgists emphasized a need for centralized involvement of authorities as under the Soviet system. Optimists expressed support for the commercial fishery, co-management and restoration of biodiversity. Pessimists are strongly aware of unregulated fisheries and illegal trade in seal products and think that current regulation attempts cannot reverse biodiversity loss. We identified high levels of support for alternative sources of incomes, desire for participation in decision-making, protected areas, sustainability, increased regulation and willingness to reduce illegal fisheries. Q-studies could be applied in small-scale fisheries with high rates of marine mammal bycatch to help identify policy interventions supported by involved communities.