An evaluation of information sharing schemes to identify what motivates fishers to share catch information

Abstract

Abstract Avoiding unwanted catches and reducing discards is an important objective of fisheries management. Fishers can avoid unwanted catches to some extent by improving selectivity of their fishing operations. This can be achieved through technical measures and gear modifications but also by adjusting when and where fishing takes place. Having access to real-time information, as provided through information sharing within a fleet, can help fishers avoid unwanted catches. Yet, there often remains a reluctance to share catch information with others. This paper compiles information from 15 case study examples of existing information sharing schemes in fisheries throughout the world. We compare the structure and operation of each of these schemes and determine what motivated participants to join and share potentially sensitive catch information. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to designing and implementing information sharing schemes in fisheries, this paper highlights how industry and stakeholder support is often important, and understanding the needs, concerns, and motivations of any group of fishers is fundamental in developing and expanding such approaches.