Understanding divergent perspectives on introduced trout in Aotearoa: a relational values approach

Abstract

To make coherent and just choices about introduced species management in postcolonial contexts such as Aotearoa, a nuanced understanding of human relationships to introduced species is needed. Inspired by relational values thinking, we interviewed 13 knowledge holders to explore diverse meanings and experiences with introduced trout and their management. Trout have impacted ecosystems and communities in profoundly different ways, ranging from ecological enhancement and cultural empowerment for some communities to devastation and loss for others. Some people consider trout potentially compatible with a ‘healthy’ ecosystem, while others consider them incompatible. Despite the existence of deep and legitimate reasons for differences in perspectives on trout, we found convergence among interviewees on three principles that could provide a foundation for future trout management: shared decision-making within a Treaty framework, management of the negative impacts of trout, and coordination across government agencies to set and achieve holistic fish management objectives.

Keywords

• environmental values
• freshwater management
• freshwater fish
• introduced species
• environmental conflict