Knowledge for Fisheries Governance: Participation, Integration and Institutional Reform

Abstract

As outlined in Chapter 1, the GAP project is situated within a transition zone from a traditional fisheries management approach that relies upon a clear separation of knowledge towards a new ‘bridging perspective’, which aims to establish a common knowledge base for fisheries governance. The transition builds on collaborative practices of participatory research and joint knowledge production, as will be described in the GAP case studies in subsequent chapters. Before these detailed empirical explorations, this chapter will first take a brief look at the knowledge gaps that are created by the dominant perspective of fisheries management and the resulting implications on sustainability of fisheries including the legitimacy deficits created by the traditional approach to fisheries. Second, three key domains of social science research that the GAP project connects with will be presented (participation, knowledge integration and institutional reform). Finally, some central aspects of the overall GAP approach are highlighted, and a brief overview of the GAP case studies is presented.