Impacts of Diverse Stakeholder Participation on Fisheries Management

Participatory fisheries governance is thought to be better adapted to socio-ecological contexts and more effective at handling the complexity and uncertainty in fisheries than top-down models of governance. Drawing from nine fisheries case studies from around the globe (Chile, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, South Africa, USA), we explored how diverse stakeholder participation influences fisheries management decisions, processes, and outcomes, and drives the adoption of sustainable practices. Fisheries were first selected based on the diversity of stakeholders engaged in management, and the participatory nature of decision-making processes. The case studies highlighted how elements of diversity (e.g. gender, Indigeneity, historically disadvantaged individuals) are being incorporated into fisheries management and decision-making, and are perceived by practitioners (with knowledge of the case studies) to be leading to improved decision-making processes and management outcomes. While we did not find strong empirical evidence of how diversity affects management outcomes, the case studies showed how increasing the diversity of voices in fisheries management contributes to perceived improved decision-making processes and management outcomes. However, the mechanisms may differ depending on the local context, the role of supporting non-government organizations, and the degree to which national governments are willing to share governance, responsibility, and power.