Can hunting be an effective way to manage human-wildlife conflict? What happens when well-intentioned wildlife protection measures backfire? I spoke with Jens Ulrik Høgh, a Scandinavian hunting journalist, to find answers to these questions through the lens of Romania's bear management crisis. When hunting was banned in 2016 under pressure from animal rights groups, it led to an unexpected surge in human-wildlife conflict, with 300 people being mauled and 26 killed by bears that had lost their fear of humans.

Through many examples from Romania, Africa and Scandinavia, Jens explores how regulated hunting can serve as a vital conservation tool. He challenges common misconceptions about trophy hunting and explains how hunting tourism provides critical financial incentives for protecting wildlife habitats. We discuss how local communities in various parts of the world depend on hunting not just for wildlife management but also for economic sustainability. This highlights the complex relationship between wildlife conservation and local people's livelihoods.

The conversation concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of hunting, supported by growing public acceptance. Jens also provides valuable insights into how hunters can better communicate about their activities, emphasising the importance of honesty, factual accuracy and sensitivity to others' feelings. His practical advice focuses on building bridges between hunters and non-hunters rather than creating further divisions.

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The calendar year is coming to an end. Since the episode's scheduled date falls on the last day of the year, I feel it's fitting to publish a 2024 recap episode featuring the most interesting clips from all the episodes published this year - or rather, last year (2024).

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Unlike many podcasters who take a break over Christmas, I'm not taking breaks. Instead, as I do every year, I'm publishing a special episode with seasonal wishes and, most importantly, with a big thank you to all of you for being here with me, subscribing to the podcast whether on a podcast app or YouTube and particularly for signing up to my newsletter. I would also like to welcome new subscribers as well as give big shout-outs to those of you who have been with me for many years. Thank you!

In the episode, I give you a rundown of what's coming in the new year, starting with episodes that have already been recorded and are scheduled for release in early 2025, and finishing with changes to my social media presence and publishing schedule. This type of update is normally reserved for my supporting members on Buy Me a Coffee. But it's Christmas time, so there you go!

Speaking of support, if the approach of Christmas has made you feel generous, you can always channel your generosity by supporting my work on Buy Me a Coffee. The only way I'm finding time for all the editing and content production is in the early mornings - we're talking 5 am early mornings. So extra caffeine comes in really handy, especially at this time of year when we have to wait unusually long for the first rays of daylight.

Finally, I wish you and your loved ones a merry and peaceful Christmas filled with good conversations and cheerful moments. May the new year bring you closer to nature and much-needed good news for conservation. Thank you for being part of this journey and stay tuned for 2025!

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This episode is a real treat for all those who are interested in bowhunting, bowhunting culture and the ethics of bowhunting compared to rifle hunting. Everything sprinkled with a healthy dose of hunting stories.

It feels like I’m one of the only very few who talks about bowhunting with European listeners in mind. Indeed, I would like to see hunting with archery tackle being legalised and popularised on the old continent. In my view, the notions that it’s inhumane or somehow unethical are ill-advised and plain wrong. It is especially disturbing when such unwise opinions are expressed with confidence by hunters or veterinary practitioners who have no experience or previous exposure to bowhunting.

To talk about these matters I’m joined by expert bowhunter Jim Clark. In our conversation, Jim shares a wealth of knowledge about bowhunting as well as some of his personal stories. As always I didn’t shy away from asking him hard questions to tease out the potential downsides of using archery tackle over firearms.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation and it only made me want to try my hand at bowhunting even more. I will keep talking about hunting with archery tackle to at least provoke a constructive discussion among European hunters and hunting organisations alike. If you would like to see bowhunting legalised, please leave a comment. What are your thoughts?

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Mentioned in this episode:

This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

How much influence do personal experiences of high-ranking officials have on EU environmental policies? What happens when science-based conservation collides with political interests? Can farmers and environmentalists find common ground in nature restoration? In this episode, I talk to Faustine Bas-Defossez, Director for Nature, Health and Environment at the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), who provides insights into the complex world of EU environmental policymaking.

In our conversation, we discuss several pressing environmental issues, including the recent changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the controversial recommendation to lower wolves’ protection status in Europe and the implementation challenges of the Nature Restoration Law. Faustine explains how scientific evidence sometimes takes a back seat to political motivations, using the example of how a single incident involving the European Commission President's pony influenced wolf protection policy. She also discusses the challenges of balancing agricultural practices with environmental protection, highlighting the systemic changes needed in our food production and consumption patterns.

The discussion ends on an optimistic note with Faustine sharing a success story from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture. She describes how representatives from seemingly opposing interests - from environmental NGOs to industrial farming organisations - reached a meaningful consensus on future agricultural policies. This achievement demonstrates that despite the challenges and polarization in environmental politics, collaborative solutions are possible when stakeholders commit to constructive dialogue.

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In this episode I'm joined by Declan Quigley to explore the history of sturgeon in Irish waters. We talk about the recent campaign by the Irish Wildlife Trust to reintroduce this ancient fish. The conversation dives into the history of sturgeon in Ireland, discussing their critical endangerment and the factors that led to their decline, including overfishing and habitat loss. Declan shares his extensive research findings, revealing that while sturgeon haven’t been confirmed to spawn in Irish rivers, they have a historical presence in coastal waters. The episode highlights the challenges and potential for sturgeon farming as a conservation tool, as well as the importance of preserving knowledge about these remarkable creatures. Listeners will also discover the cultural significance of sturgeon in Ireland and the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of this iconic species.

Takeaways:

• The Irish Wildlife Trust advocates for a feasibility study to reintroduce sturgeon into Irish waters.
• Despite historical presence, evidence suggests sturgeon may have never spawned in Irish rivers.
• Sturgeons are ancient fish, often referred to as living fossils due to their long evolutionary history.
• Declan Quigley highlights the critical decline of sturgeon populations due to overfishing and habitat loss.
• Efforts in France aim to breed sturgeon, potentially leading to increased sightings in Irish waters.
• Sturgeon farming may contribute positively to conservation by supplying caviar and reducing poaching.

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Mentioned in this episode:

This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

What exactly is rewilding? Does it simply mean bringing back wolves, lynx and bears, or is there more to it? Can we balance food production and rural community needs with land left to natural processes and wildlife conservation? To answer these questions, I talk with Ian Parsons, editor of "Great Misconceptions: Rewilding Myths and Misunderstandings", a new book that explores common assumptions and misconceptions about rewilding.

In our discussion, we address aspects of rewilding that are often misunderstood or misinterpreted, sometimes innocently and at other times deliberately or even maliciously. We explore three topics commonly associated with rewilding that often spark heated debate: species reintroductions, community engagement, and the choice between tree planting and natural regeneration. This discussion draws on the collective wisdom of renowned authors who contributed distinct chapters to the book.

In the end, Ian emphasises that rewilding shouldn't remain just another niche concept but needs to be integrated into how we live our lives, from urban planning to politics or even business practices. He challenges the notion that rewilding is anti-rural, arguing instead that it can revitalise rural economies and provide new opportunities for communities. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in conservation, land management and the future of our relationship with nature.

Buy Great Misconceptions: Rewilding Myths and Misunderstandings

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What drives two friends to create a weekly podcast about fly fishing? How do they manage to keep it fresh and engaging week after week? Ireland on the Fly started as Daire's passion project about four years ago, combining his media background with his newfound love for fly fishing. The podcast took on new life when Tom, an experienced angling guide and former Hardy and Grays sales manager, joined the team two and a half years ago.

The show explores the rich culture and history of fly fishing in Ireland, featuring diverse topics from technical fishing advice to environmental issues. Each episode brings unique perspectives through interviews with historians, scientists, and fellow anglers. The hosts maintain a careful balance between practical fishing content and broader environmental concerns, often addressing current issues like the recent Killery Harbour salmon farm escapees, while staying true to their role as custodians of rivers and lakes.

As media veterans, Daire and Tom understand the challenge of keeping environmental content engaging for their audience. They work to find fresh angles on recurring issues like fish kills and salmon farming, while still delivering the practical fishing content their listeners desire. Their approach combines awareness-raising with entertainment, proving that educational content can coexist with engaging storytelling.

Ireland on the Fly

Is the resumption of commercial whaling inevitable? What hidden geopolitical forces are shaping international whale conservation efforts? Let's dive (pun not intended) into the complex world of whale conservation with marine scientist Dr Peter Corkeron. In our conversation, Peter uncovers the surprising connections between military bases, national security, and the fate of the world's largest mammals.

From the history of industrial whaling to the current state of whale populations, our guest provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing whale conservation today. He explains how some whale species are making an impressive comeback while others teeter on the brink of extinction. But the real story goes beyond biology! Learn how US military interests in Japan may be influencing whaling policies, and why anti-whaling efforts that seemed successful for decades may now be faltering.

As commercial whaling threatens to resume, we argue for a new approach to whale protection. We discuss the limitations of current conservation strategies, the complex motivations behind pro-whaling interests and why simply allowing whaling to "fizzle out" is no longer a viable option. Finally, Peter offers his perspective on potential solutions, addressing underlying geopolitical factors and advocating for policy changes to protect whale populations more effectively.

Further reading:

• Losing the Whales: How the Anti-Whaling Narrative Has Failed
• The Return of Whaling
• What US Militarism Has to Do With Japan's Quest to Slaughter More Whales

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Listen to my conversation with John Aitchison from the Coastal Communities Network Scotland to learn about the devastating effects of salmon farming on the marine environment and coastal communities. Toxic waste, pesticides, diseases and parasites are just the tip of the iceberg.

I knew that salmon farming was bad but I didn’t realise quite how bad it really is. Salmon aquaculture creates massive ecological and welfare issues for the fish. Both farmed fish as well as wild fish populations are negatively affected by open-net aquaculture. And that is even before I mention the impacts the industry has on coastal communities. The massive amounts of toxic waste, misuse of pesticides, diseases and spread of parasites that negatively affect wild salmon are just the tip of the iceberg.

To better understand the issues examined in this episode, I talk with John Aitchison. John is an acclaimed wildlife filmmaker but he is also an environmental activist at the Coastal Communities Network Scotland NGO. During our conversation, we take a closer look at the Scottish salmon farming industry. However, the issues we discuss apply equally to Ireland, Norway or anywhere salmon aquaculture is present.

I am pretty sure that after listening to this episode you won’t buy farmed salmon again, which you shouldn’t, or you will at least take a pause and consider your choices.

Cover image courtesy of Corin Smith - Copyright Corin Smith.

Special guests in this episode: Ireland on the Fly

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Mentioned in this episode:

This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

Ireland on The Fly

I sit down with Tom and Daire from Ireland on the Fly podcast to explore the intersection of angling, conservation, and environmental storytelling. As fellow podcasters focused on outdoor pursuits and environmental issues, we discuss the challenges of balancing technical fishing content with crucial environmental coverage. The conversation delves into how both our shows strive to bridge divides and foster understanding between different stakeholder groups in environmental debates. From salmon farm escapees to the future of recreational fishing, we examine how podcasting can help tackle complex environmental topics while maintaining audience engagement.

Ireland on the Fly