A survey was conducted among 53 professional fishers from Poland (44%) and 5 German (26% of registered fishers, respectively) to assess fishing practices, catch composition, and perception of conservation measures, with emphasis on sturgeon (Acipenser spp.) recovery management. Both groups predominantly employed set gillnets and trammel nets, while other gear types comprise various fyke net types. Fisheries were characterized by small operational scale (1–3 permanent employees; 1–2 vessels), and long-term experience (median: 21–30 years). Primary target species include eel (Anguilla anguilla), perch (Perca fluviatilis), pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in both groups, with herring (Clupea harengus), roach (Rutilus rutilus) and bream (Abramis brama) constituting important bycatch.
A substantial proportion (91%) had previously caught sturgeon, but only 25% reported these captures. Supportive stocking, particularly for eel and sturgeon, were perceived as highly important for recruitment, restoration and species conservation. Of the German respondents 80% reported having caught sturgeon and 60% reported those captures.
85% of Polish participants supported sturgeon reintroduction, while their general concerns mainly focused on gear damage, declining fish abundance, habitat alterations (e.g., channel deepening), and inadequate communication from management bodies. German respondents showed greater ambivalence toward the reintroduction of sturgeon. Only 1 respondent explicitly “welcomed” it, while the remainder expressed neutrality or scepticism, and emphasized caution regarding the efficacy of stocking and a distrustful stance toward research. None of the German respondents declared their interest in sturgeon being a target species in the future, while over half (~51%) of the Polish fisherman would welcome this.
In conclusion, the findings underscore the necessity for integrated co-management that aligns conservation objectives with socio-economic sustainability, incorporating financial incentives, improved reporting mechanisms, and trust building.This interpretation is constrained by the low number of German fishermen participating which is indicative of the attitude encountered.