In Africa otters have suffered as a result of conflict with fishermen both inland and coastal, so it is vital to raise understanding and education about the benefit of otters and their indication of the environmental condition. More research into their status will assist projects moving forward.
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Fishermen complain that their nets and fish traps are frequently damaged by otters taking fish from them. This causes conflict and otters are often killed as a result. These communities have little knowledge of the otter as an indicator species and the benefits they can bring. There is also limited research and information on the four species of otter found in Africa and so impact of the effect of this conflict on populations.
Outreach educational work within fishing communities, at schools and with fishermen, will help improve and change the understanding of otters and for them to be viewed more positively. It is important to encourage ways of working with the otters rather than against them and develop alternative methods of damage prevention caused by them to fishing equipment. Research into the status of the four species of otter in Africa is a vital tool in gauging the possible impact of conflict.