Germany: Study on securing the future of inland fisheries and aquaculture in Lower Saxony

Project Background

Inland fishing is one of the oldest activities of mankind, which, as far as is known, has also been practised on the rivers and lakes of Lower Saxony for thousands of years. Inland fisheries and aquaculture also have a long tradition in the German State of Lower Saxony. However, inland fishing and aquaculture, as the third largest agricultural land management sector in Lower Saxony, have come under increasing pressure in recent decades. 

COFAD was to contribute to the development of a holistic approach to strengthening fisheries, with a particular focus on securing existing fishing grounds, water rights and aquaculture production zones. It also aimed to identify measures to strengthen the profession and stimulate interest in this business sector, as generational change and business transfers will increase in the near future.

Objectives

The study "Securing the future of inland fisheries and aquaculture in Lower Saxony" was commissioned to contribute to achieving these goals. 

As a starting point, the current situation of the sector and its branches had to be addressed, as well as historical developments where necessary for the analysis of development trends.

Essential result of the work were concepts for securing the future of the sector and its branches, in particular for:

• Inland fisheries (river and lake fisheries)
• Aquaculture, cold water (salmonids), warm water (cyprinids) and RAS aquaculture.

These concepts were to be based on discussions with the sector and other stakeholders and be coordinated with them. On this basis, recommendations addressed to the various stakeholders had to be elaborated.

Activities and/or Results

• Collection and review of available information and data
• Coordination of the project approach with the client (kick-off workshop),
• Identification of relevant participants or stakeholders,
• Interviews, focus group discussions, workshops
• Evaluation and analysis of the collected information and data,
• GIS work and production of maps
• Presentation and discussion of the draft report with clients and stakeholders
• Completion of the final report