ASFB Home > 2003 > Biological Invasions: Consequences for Parasites, Pathogens, Emerging Diseases, and Fisheries in the Marine Environment.

Can a Participatory Approach to Fisheries Management be Effective in Practice?

Williams, K.A. & McPhee, D.P.

Environmental Management Centre, Department of Geographical Sciences, Planning and Architecture, University of Queensland
Email: kellie.williams@diiesrq.qld.gov.au

Declining fish stocks internationally over the last decade have seen extensive attitude-shifts towards the way in which fisheries are managed. A participatory approach to management has been suggested as an effective tool to enhance and complement statutory management plans. This style of management acknowledges the value of the wider community, and requires that they, as the major resource users, have a direct and central role in the decision-making process and in the construction of environmental management plans (EMPs) for local commercial fishers. However it is yet to be seen whether this approach will result in positive on-ground outcomes in the long term. There is little quantitative information regarding whether it is or can be effective in practice. Using the Bribie Island Commercial Fishers Association’s (BCFA) Environmental Management Plan as a template, this presentation reports on empirical data on community perceptions of the Plan and discusses whether such an approach can be effective in practice and, indeed, whether the stated objectives have been or are able to be met. Results indicate that effective communication with the community is the key to achieving positive outcomes from local EMPs.

Room 3 Friday 9.00 am