Evaluating trends and outcomes in northeast fisheries science and management decisions

Abstract

In response to growing contention between the fishing industry and fisheries scientists, cooperative research projects have been developed to provide a structure for industry and scientists to collaborate on fisheries research and generate data to improve fisheries management decisions. These partnerships produce many direct and indirect benefits but, little is known about the current degree of fishermen participation in these projects. This study describes the results from surveys administered to fishermen and scientists in the Northeastern United States to understand (1) individual experiences collaborating in scientific research and (2) current beliefs about ecosystem health, participation in science and management, fisheries decision-making, and ecosystem/economic processes. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the 472 responses from this survey. Many aspects of fisheries science and management still remain polarizing issues. The number of years in one's profession and the degree of fisher involvement significantly influenced the responses to survey questions.