THE NEXT STEP IN MODELING: Despite improved knowledge and stricter regulations, fish stocks remain overharvested. This is partly because models and assessments that are supposed to help policy-makers develop guidelines are not realistic in describing the behaviour of fishers .

In a new study published in Fish and Fisheries, centre researchers Nanda Wijermans, Kirill Orach and Maja Schlüter together with colleagues from Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences present a more sophisticated model by reflecting on the diversity and complexity within fishing behaviour.

A poor representation of reality

There are two main reasons why considerations around human behaviour is usually absent from established models:

• Social science-based knowledge about fisher behaviour is rarely included in the literature which is dominated by natural science contributions
• Fisheries management models hardly ever include fisher activity dynamics beyond economic considerations

Key to improve on this is to incorporate insights from social sciences and how to use them in models. Current models tend to focus on fishers’ desire to maximise gratification and avoid punishment. That is often a poor representation of reality, the authors warn.

The model developed by Wijermans and her colleagues is the first to use studies on fishing styles to reflect on behavioural diversity among the fishers. It considers how fishers may differ in motivation, ability, livelihoods and their social networks.

Three things to consider

Based on their experience with this model, the authors highlight three things future developers of fishery models should consider:

1. Consider the best available social science knowledge and data in order to better include different fisher behaviours
2. Take advantage of the diversity of knowledge and sources that are available, including quantitative and qualitative empirical data, expert knowledge, frameworks and theories
3. Use the model to assess uncertainties that originate from the diversity of motivations and behaviours among fishers

Concludes Wijermans; “We hope that our synthesis of social science insights on behavioural diversity and our model will help others find and build on insights with more ease. "