Improving communication: the key to more effective MSE processes

Shana K Miller,Campbell R Davies,Rebecca A Rademeyer,Amanda Nickson,Doug S Butterworth,Alejandro Anganuzzi,Greg P Donovan,Victor Restrepo

doi:10.1139/cjfas-2018-0134

Abstract

The use of management strategy evaluation (MSE) to design and test candidate fisheries management approaches is expanding globally. Participation of managers, scientists, and stakeholders should be an integral component of the MSE process. Open and effective communication among these groups is essential for the success of the MSE and the adoption of the management approach based on it. The highly technical nature of MSE and newness of the approach to many audiences present considerable communication challenges and have, unfortunately, slowed progress in some cases. We draw on diverse experiences with MSE to identify two areas in which the implementation of MSE in multinational fora may be improved: (i) the use of formally constituted “intermediary groups” as a forum for exchange at the management–science interface and (ii) the development of engaging, yet uncomplicated, visual communication tools for conveying key results to different audiences at each stage. While our focus is the MSE processes underway in the regional fisheries management organizations for tunas and tuna-like species, the advice provided is also pertinent for other fisheries, international and domestic alike, pursuing MSE.

Highlights

EMPHASIZING that the Commission management decisions should be based on the best available science independently developed by the Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS)
The working group will seek to establish management strategies for the ICCAT fisheries which are consistent with the objectives of the ICCAT convention, an ecosystem-based approach and a precautionary approach
The standing working group will meet inter-sessionally and its meetings will be open to fisheries managers of Contracting Parties, Cooperating non-Contracting Parties, Entities and Fishing entities (CPCs), SCRS scientists and accredited observers

Summary

Introduction

CONSIDERING scientific advice released by the Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) as the corner stone for establishing a proper management framework on stocks and fisheries under the purview of ICCAT; RECOGNIZING that an in depth understanding by the Commission of scientific advice and management recommendations made by the SCRS should ease the adoption by the Commission of relevant and effective conservation measures; NOTING that the ICCAT Resolution [11-17] on best available science recommends improving the communication between CPCs, the Commission and the SCRS by enabling a constant dialogue; RECALLING the work in the Working Group of Fisheries Managers and Scientists held in June 2013 in support of the W-BFT stock assessment; HIGHLIGHTING the need to further enhance the dialogue between fisheries managers and scientists in the coming years in order to achieve the Convention objectives in the most efficient and effective way; STRESSING that such enhanced dialogue should, in particular, allow the Commission to focus on the establishment of management frameworks that take into account Target and Limit Reference points, associated level of risks and related Harvest Control Rules consistent with Recommendation [11-13]; STRESSING that such enhanced dialogue should allow the Commission to focus on the review and the establishment of research priorities, considering more the development of Strategic Plan on Science, and to explore further improvements in ICCAT science and management processes; RECALLING that provisions laid down in Recommendation [11-26] establishing a meeting participation fund should ease the attendance of fisheries scientist and managers from developing Contracting Parties and contribute to an inclusive and participative dialogue. 1. A standing working group dedicated to the dialogue between fisheries scientists and managers (“SWGSM”) is established under the following objectives and rules.

Results

Conclusion