A social scientific self-reflection of co-developing an acoustic stock sampling method in the Bay of Biscay

Abstract

AbstractThis story from the frontlines reflects on the process of engaging with artisanal fishers in the Bay of Biscay (France) for co-developing a new method for acoustic fish stock sampling. The case discussed here was set in the frame of the EU H2020 project PANDORA, starting in May 2018 and ending in April 2022. From the perspective of a social scientifically trained human geographer and based on a dialogue with her colleagues in France, the author reflects on the motivations, expectations, and goals of the researchers of the engagement process and contrasts them with the actual outcomes. As the backdrop of this reflection serve theoretical considerations about the importance of researchers’ awareness of their own role and motivations in engagement processes and the (hidden) agendas that all parties bring to the table, as well as some thoughts about the relevance we attribute to scientific and experiential knowledge. In particular, this article highlights four aspects that importantly contributed to the success of the co-development activities: a joint problem definition, a certain co-dependency between researchers and stakeholders, sound project and budget planning, and the motivations and expectations of the “engagers”—those researchers who initiate and facilitate engagement processes.