Understanding Fishers’ Wellbeing through Participatory Processes in Fisheries Management

Micha, Evgenia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5697-3317 and Kelling, Ingrid (2025) Understanding Fishers’ Wellbeing through Participatory Processes in Fisheries Management. NPJ Ocean Sustainability. (In Press)

Text 14775 Micha, Kelling (2025) Understanding Fishers' Wellbeing through Participatory Processes in Fisheries Management.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB)

Abstract

Within the social dimension of fisheries management, fisher wellbeing remains inadequately addressed due to divergent stakeholder perspectives. This study conceptualises fisher wellbeing as a dynamic system, shaped by the knowledge of the stakeholders involved. The primary objective is to quantify disparities in stakeholder perceptions and construct a comprehensive depiction of fisher wellbeing by integrating stakeholder knowledge. Leveraging a systems thinking methodology, we employ fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) to develop cognitive maps for individual stakeholders that show distinct pathways towards fisher wellbeing. We then integrate these into a unified map, illustrating the complexity of the system when all stakeholder voices are considered. Our findings highlight the existence of common wellbeing goals despite stakeholder differences and the challenges fisheries managers face when trying to implement co-decision making. This integrated approach provides a foundation for understanding diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and formulating inclusive policies that incorporate fisher wellbeing into fisheries management.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Sustainability; Systems-thinking; Stakeholders; Policy; Community Mapping
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business > HF5549 Personnel management. Employment management S Agriculture > SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > Countryside and Community Research Institute
Depositing User:	Caitlin Mackenzie
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2025 14:27
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2025 10:00
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/14775

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