1 Stakeholder Engagement

Effective stakeholder engagement is essential for successful and sustainable initiatives in the fisheries sector. Building strong relationships with fishers, researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives relies on transparency, mutual respect, and tangible benefits that are consistently communicated and delivered. For fishers, whose data is a core resource, it is vital that their perspectives are considered, especially when discussing how their data will be used by others.

A key strategy for effective engagement is creating structured spaces for regular dialogue. Platforms such as knowledge-sharing circles (kenniskringen) allow stakeholders to voice their views, offer feedback, and influence project goals. Initiatives like VISTools have used these forums to address the concerns and needs of fishers and other industry participants, fostering a sense of shared ownership. ILVO has further demonstrated its commitment by involving fishers in steering committees and maintaining frequent communication, promoting collaborative governance.

Transparency and strong agreements are crucial for building and maintaining trust. Clear communication about project goals, data collection processes, and data usage policies helps stakeholders understand their roles and potential benefits. The VISTools initiative exemplifies this approach through strong data-sharing agreements and robust data management practices, which address concerns about data privacy and usage, thereby encouraging more meaningful participation. For every new project that plans to utilize data, a workshop is convened to inform fishers about the goals, data-usage and expected outcomes.

Offering tangible benefits is another key component of engagement. ILVO’s development of real-time data-gathering systems and Digital Twin tools has given fishers access to business intelligence tools that offer actionable insights into their operations. These tools, such as models for fuel efficiency, catch prediction, and vessel routing, provide concrete benefits like cost savings and operational optimizations. Demonstrating these advantages motivates stakeholders to engage actively, as they see the value their data can bring to their daily work.

Regular communication through workshops, informational sessions, and data-sharing activities ensures that stakeholders stay informed, engaged, and able to influence the direction of project goals. This continuous feedback loop allows projects to adapt to changing needs, maintaining their relevance and success over time.

By embedding transparency, fostering collaborative spaces, and aligning project goals with the needs and interests of stakeholders, engagement becomes a dynamic and ongoing process. This approach ensures that all parties feel respected, valued, and integral to the success of fisheries initiatives, laying the foundation for long-term collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.