An assessment of the conservation of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the North Sea

Abstract

Multiple institutions on various government levels are set in place to contribute to the conservation of highly migratory species in Europe. The increasing number of anthropogenic activities on our lands and in our waters and the uncertainties around climate change justify the intensification of efforts to protect these species. In this paper we assess the application of a social-ecological fit assessment to evaluate the fit of institutions applied to contribute to the conservation of the highly migratory species harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Netherlands. Despite their favourable conservation status, concerns are raising about their wellbeing now and in the future, especially because of climate change and economic developments in their habitat. We demonstrated that the currently applied institutions are fit on the aspects of social fit but require improvements on the aspects of ecological fit. Especially the dimension spatial fit is not meeting the needs of the highly migratory species harbour porpoise. The dimension temporal fit does not suit the social-ecological system of today and also needs improvement to ensure a good fit. Reaching a perfect social-ecological fit is difficult and often even impossible. As demonstrated in this case a good social fit does not automatically leads to a good ecological fit. Reaching a perfect social-ecological fit, should not be a goal by itself, but the concept can be applied to identify possible improvements on institutional arrangements and reach a fit that is as good as possible in the context of the social-ecological system.