In a recent interview, Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus speaks about the research behind his recognition as National Champion 2025 and about what these findings mean for practical freshwater conservation.
A central message of the interview is that ecosystem-based management clearly outperforms species-focused conservation measures. Actions such as fish stocking, which are often implemented with good intentions, have proven to be largely ineffective in restoring fish populations. In contrast, habitat improvements and the restoration of ecological processes can deliver sustainable and measurable benefits for freshwater biodiversity.
Prof. Dr. Arlinghaus also emphasizes that these insights are based on many years of close collaboration with practitioners and civil society, particularly recreational anglers. Working together on the ground was crucial for testing management approaches under realistic conditions and for developing solutions that are relevant in practice.
Against the backdrop of multiple, interconnected global crises, the interview highlights the importance of transformative and interdisciplinary research. Science can only have an impact if it is robust, clearly communicated, and actually taken up in decision-making processes.
The interview also makes clear that perseverance is essential: even when success initially seems unlikely, long-term collaboration between science and practice can lead to real and lasting change.
You can watch the interview here!
For the full interview and related research
Further information on the Frontiers Planet Prize