Stakeholder Collaboration in Fisheries Research: Integrating Knowledge Among Fishing Leaders and Science Partners in Northern New England

Abstract

Cooperative research in fisheries science and management is increasing throughout the United States, in part because of the increasing trust and credibility divide between fishermen and scientists. For example, the Northeast Consortium was established to, among other goals, help bring fishermen's information, experience, and expertise into the scientific framework needed for fisheries management. This research begins to examine whether cooperative research integrates fishermen's and scientists' knowledge, particularly among highly engaged industry leaders and their science partners. Findings are presented from three surveys—individuals engaged in commercial fishing in northern New England (n = 295), and fishermen (n = 60), and scientists (n = 37) participating in Northeast Consortium projects—examining: (1) whether knowledge integration was considered important and achievable, and why; and (2) whether and how fishermen and scientists learned about the scientific process or fishermen and fishing, respectively, from participating in cooperative research. Ramifications of the study and recommendations for research program managers are discussed.