Not to be cited without prior reference to the author ICES CM 2000/W:08. Theme Session on Cooperative Research with the Fishing Industry: Lessons Learned CO-MANAGING THE SCOTIAN SHELF SHRIMP FISHERY -SO FAR SO GREEN

• Main Author: P A Koeller
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: northern shrimp; Pandalus borealis
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.1052.5781; http://www.vliz.be/imisdocs/publications/275881.pdf

ABSTRACT In recent years the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has been fostering co-operative approaches to the assessment and management of Canadian fisheries resources. In this paper I describe one such co-management program, the Scotian Shelf fishery for northern shrimp Pandalus borealis, and the role of science in it. Drawbacks and advantages of co-operative research are described from a personal perspective, with a view to gleaning basic principles. Predictably, problems fall into two main categories, including those associated with methodological compromises, and those stemming from conflicting objectives. Some examples are provided. A major benefit of conducting science within a co-managed program is that it stimulates new ways of viewing the process of fisheries science and management. The "traffic light" method of determining stock status is highlighted as a way to facilitate industry involvement in the final stages of the assessment/management process. As a result, the setting and enforcing management measures such as TACs, traditionally a government domain, becomes more of a cooperative action.