Wildlife Welfare

Wild Otter Fishery Coexistence

Conflicts between otters and fisheries affect otter welfare through persecution while creating economic challenges for fish farmers and anglers.

Key Facts

Otters are legally protected across Europe but are killed illegally at fisheries
Legal licences to manage otters at fish farms require welfare-positive methods
Electric fencing around ponds is effective at excluding otters without harm
Coexistence approaches are more effective long-term than persecution
Otter numbers have recovered significantly across England following water quality improvements

Welfare Considerations

Otters killed illegally at fisheries suffer avoidably, and persecution creates a welfare and conservation threat to a species still recovering from near-extinction. Economic compensation and practical exclusion measures can address legitimate fishery concerns without welfare costs to otters. Effective engagement with fishery operators on non-lethal management is the most sustainable approach.

What You Can Do

Support grant schemes for otter-proof fencing at fish farms
Report suspected illegal killing of otters to police wildlife crime units
Advocate for compensation schemes that incentivise non-lethal otter management