AUTHOR=Steins Nathalie A. , Mackinson Steven , Mangi Stephen C. , Pastoors Martin A. , Stephenson Robert L. , Ballesteros Marta , Brooks Kate , McIsaac James A. , Baker Matthew R. , Calderwood Julia , Neis Barbara , Ogier Emily M. , Reid Dave G. 

TITLE=A will-o’-the wisp? On the utility of voluntary contributions of data and knowledge from the fishing industry to marine science

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.954959

DOI=10.3389/fmars.2022.954959

ISSN=2296-7745

ABSTRACT=For future sustainable management of fisheries, we predict deeper and more diverse information will be needed. Future needs include not only biological data, but also information that can only come from fishers, such as real-time ‘early warning’ indicators of changes at sea, socio-economic data and fishing strategies. The fishing industry shows clear willingness to voluntarily contribute data and experiential knowledge, but there is little evidence that current institutional frameworks for science and management are receptive and equipped to accommodate such contributions. Current approaches to producing knowledge in support of fisheries management need critical re-evaluation, including the contributions that industry can make. Using examples from well-developed advisory systems in Europe, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, we investigate evidence for three interrelated issues inhibiting systematic integration of voluntary industry contributions to science: (1) concerns about data quality, (2) beliefs about limitations in useability of unique fishers’ knowledge, and (3) perceptions about the impact of industry contributions on the integrity of science. We show that whilst these issues are real, they can be addressed. Entrenching effective science-industry research collaboration (SIRC) calls for action in three specific areas: (i) a move towards alternative modes of knowledge production, (ii) establishing appropriate quality assurance frameworks, and iii) transitioning to facilitating governance structures. Attention must also be paid to the science-policy-stakeholder interface. Lack of clear understanding of the extent and purpose of industry’s role in science is often confused with negotiation around management decisions and can lead to dissatisfaction with the scientific process, its credibility and legitimacy, and hence management based on it.