Communication Approaches and Specialists that Can Improve Fisheries Management

Abstract

This paper aims to expand fisheries managers' understanding of how the science of communication can facilitate effective fisheries management. We offer context‐specific definitions of four communication approaches that are commonly performed by fisheries managers but poorly defined and can easily be confused or conflated. These are as follows: Outreach, Education, Social Marketing, and Engagement. Further, we explain key evidence‐based principles that support each communication approach and offer practical examples of their application. Finally, we highlight different communication research fields that produce social science for communication practitioners to use in the context of fisheries management. These explanations support our claim that effective communication is required to meet the professional needs of fisheries managers and encompasses meeting the needs of their audiences.