Fishery systems and linkages: Implications for science and governance

The complex systemic nature of fisheries was recognized by scientists many decades ago but the attempts to take this evidence into consideration in day-to-day management processes have been slow, patchy and of limited effectiveness. Clearly, there remains an implementation challenge in this regard; the present paper examines the essential nature of fishery systems and linkages, why the implementation challenge persists, and some key new directions. After a brief introduction, an historical review is provided of the evolution of fisheries assessment and modelling, highlighting the growing complexity resulting from changing social demands. The “complexity syndrome” is described in terms of scope, boundaries, scales, components and linkages within the fishery system. These aspects can cause losses in understanding, predictability and controllability, owing to delays, teleconnections, scale dependence, and self-organizational capacity. Key issues addressed relate to systemic aspects of fisheries governance and of the fishery research needed to support it. Particular reference is made to the changes needed to adapt to the new emerging relations between science, policy-making and society within complex fishery systems, and between those systems and their environment. A range of concepts and approaches, such as integrated assessment, is elaborated as epistemological and operational frameworks to support the transition process. The conclusion looks at the evolution of the global fishery system and briefly reviews the challenges faced by science and governance.