Högskolan i Skövde

Our case study was channeled through a comanagement group and initiated by fishermen. The aim was to develop the selectivity of the fisheries in Lake Vättern through a collaboration of fishermen, regional managers, and scientists. The case study was planned collectively within the fisheries co-management group and through workshops with participating fishermen. Fishermen were given special permits to test various strategies adapted to their own experiences and the properties of their local fishing grounds. First, the population structure of the focal species, whitefish, was investigated in a joint study utilizing fishermen’s experiential knowledge and genetic analyses of whitefish. The results showed that the population is divided into at least two unique stocks that ideally should be managed separately. Second, the results from studies on by-catch in different areas, seasons, and gears indicated a substantial potential to increase the selectivity in this fishery, particularly by targeting whitefish aggregations adjacent to spawning areas. Our study highlights the potential of the participatory approach when facilitating solutions to problems related to small-scale fisheries management. Nevertheless, we also identify some factors that might jeopardize the long-term success and dissemination of results from this case study. The recent discovery of high levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in muscle tissue of whitefish might make it harder for fishermen to sell their catch. Moreover, since the comanagement group only has an advisory function, the Swedish national authority needs to take the initiative and first implement the suggested changes in management.