Evolving the ecosystem approach in European fisheries: Transferable lessons from New Zealand's experience in strengthening stakeholder involvement

Abstract

Processes and behaviours from New Zealand's experience of industry stakeholders’ participation in research and management could be transferrable to Europe, helping expedite its evolution to inclusive governance models consistent with an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. In particular, experience from NZ could help to alleviate bottlenecks arising from inadequate institutional governance apparatus and barriers to acquisition and application of relevant knowledge. The short pathways, fewer people and simplicity of a unilateral decision-making process make NZ a good place to learn about inclusive governance of fisheries. The detail of why, where and how industry stakeholders get involved in research and management is shaped by the legislative framework, the structures that support it, the people, and how they organise their involvement. Specific examples are used to illustrate four ways in which Europe could apply experience from NZ to enhance the inclusivity of industry stakeholders the evidence-management system required to implement the ecosystem approach to fisheries: (i) Defined ‘rules’ of engagement, (ii) MoU's to promote a shared vision and the planning to achieve it, (iii) Extended peer review process (iv) Inclusion of research knowledge from industry and science-industry partnerships.