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Fenced Fisheries, Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra) and Licenced Trapping: An Impact Assessment

Nobajas, A; Pemberton, S; Webb, D; Davoile, J; Wright, L; Allen, D

Fenced Fisheries, Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra) and Licenced Trapping: An Impact Assessment Thumbnail


Authors

A Nobajas

D Webb

J Davoile

L Wright



Abstract

The endangered Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) became a protected species in England and Wales in 1978. The gradual recovery of the species coincides with the rise in specimen fishing on stillwater fisheries and increased concerns about predation. Although otter-proof fencing has been identified as the most effective current solution, the lack of a formalised legal mechanism to remove otters from fenced fisheries compromised livelihoods and otter welfare. Recognising this, the UK Wild Otter Trust (UKWOT) successfully lobbied for a formal licence to humanely trap and remove them. This paper examines the initial media and stakeholder responses to Natural England introducing the CL36 ‘class licence’ to live capture and transport Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) that are trapped in fenced fisheries to prevent further damage. The paper analyses the UKWOT ‘Interventions Spreadsheet’ for the three years of the CL36 licence (November 2016 to June 2019) and the AT Fishery Management Advisors (FMA) ‘Otter Log’ (March 2017 to March 2019), to trace otter-related enquiries. Finally, the paper assesses the impact of the licence in practice, with reference to the successful live trapping and removal of otters from fenced fisheries.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 3, 2019
Publication Date 2020-01
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
Print ISSN 1023-9030
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 37
Issue 1
Pages 38 - 52
Keywords Eurasian otters, CL36 Licence, Fenced Fisheries, Predation, Trapping, England, UKWOT, Angling Trust
Publisher URL https://www.iucnosgbull.org/Volume37/Allen_et_al_2020.html

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