Does Slow-Burn Collaboration Deliver Results? Towards Collaborative Development of Multi-Annual Multi-Species Management Plans in North Sea Mixed Demersal Fisheries

Abstract

Embedded in the ecosystem approach, a transition is taking place in fisheries governance. This transition is underpinned by the need to work collaboratively in generating, mobilising and applying knowledge and data to solve problems of shared interest. This paper gives an example of this ‘participatory research’ process and is intended as a practical and critical reflection of learning-by-doing. The example is a science-stakeholder partnership on developing the knowledge and tools needed to support development of a multi-annual management plan for North Sea mixed demersal fisheries. We chart the process of defining the issues, establishing ways of working and developing a common language, and then assess how these were affected by the shifting political discourse on fisheries governance. The process revealed institutional barriers that risked efforts to achieve knowledge co-creation and much needed continuity. We describe approaches that were taken to keep moving constructively so that none of the barriers derailed the collaboration. Even though the work was a ‘slow burner’, which is only now on the point of delivering applicable outcomes, the collaborative process made a valuable contribution to developing the trust and relationships necessary for transition to more inclusive governance of fisheries. The value and utility of the collaboration are questioned by those directly involved and put in context of recent developments.