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An E(e)lusive Catch: Navigating Values in Eel Fishing Policies

Pettersson, Jens LU (2025) STVM25 20242
Department of Political Science
Abstract
In response to a rapidly declining eel population, Sweden implemented measures to reduce anthropogenic mortality. Recreational eel fishing was banned, and while some commercial fishers holding special permits and licenses could continue, no new licenses could be granted. Eel fishing was supposed to naturally disappear over time. However, politicians in the current government have advocated for changes to regulations so that eel fishing can continue in the future. When politicians propose environmental policies, they rely on the values associated with nature. To understand these policies is to understand the preferences and prioritisation of values by politicians. This study used the theoretical framework of value pluralism and practical... (More)
In response to a rapidly declining eel population, Sweden implemented measures to reduce anthropogenic mortality. Recreational eel fishing was banned, and while some commercial fishers holding special permits and licenses could continue, no new licenses could be granted. Eel fishing was supposed to naturally disappear over time. However, politicians in the current government have advocated for changes to regulations so that eel fishing can continue in the future. When politicians propose environmental policies, they rely on the values associated with nature. To understand these policies is to understand the preferences and prioritisation of values by politicians. This study used the theoretical framework of value pluralism and practical arguments to investigate how Swedish government politicians value the eel and eel fishing. By analysing parliamentary motions, this study examined instrumental, relational, and intrinsic values and their roles in shaping policy. The findings revealed that relational values, particularly cultural heritage, dominate policy proposals. Value conflicts, although uncommon, tend to prioritise relational and instrumental values over intrinsic values. Politicians primarily value the eel for its relational significance to humans. This thesis underscores the importance of values in shaping environmental policies and provides a framework for understanding eel fishing politics in Sweden. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Pettersson, Jens LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVM25 20242
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
environmental policy, eel fishing, value pluralism, value prioritisation, relational values
language
English
id
9179307
date added to LUP
2025-03-04 11:56:41
date last changed
2025-03-04 11:56:41
@misc{9179307,
  abstract     = {{In response to a rapidly declining eel population, Sweden implemented measures to reduce anthropogenic mortality. Recreational eel fishing was banned, and while some commercial fishers holding special permits and licenses could continue, no new licenses could be granted. Eel fishing was supposed to naturally disappear over time. However, politicians in the current government have advocated for changes to regulations so that eel fishing can continue in the future. When politicians propose environmental policies, they rely on the values associated with nature. To understand these policies is to understand the preferences and prioritisation of values by politicians. This study used the theoretical framework of value pluralism and practical arguments to investigate how Swedish government politicians value the eel and eel fishing. By analysing parliamentary motions, this study examined instrumental, relational, and intrinsic values and their roles in shaping policy. The findings revealed that relational values, particularly cultural heritage, dominate policy proposals. Value conflicts, although uncommon, tend to prioritise relational and instrumental values over intrinsic values. Politicians primarily value the eel for its relational significance to humans. This thesis underscores the importance of values in shaping environmental policies and provides a framework for understanding eel fishing politics in Sweden.}},
  author       = {{Pettersson, Jens}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{An E(e)lusive Catch: Navigating Values in Eel Fishing Policies}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}