2 Gaining Trust
Gaining the trust of fishers is fundamental to the success of any collaborative initiative within the fisheries sector. Trust is built on transparency, mutual respect, and tangible benefits, all of which are essential for fostering genuine participation and collaboration.
A key element in gaining trust is to ensure transparency, particularly when handling sensitive data. Many fishers are understandably cautious about how their data is used and shared. Our local Fisheries Digital Twin (DTO) initiative has addressed this concern through clear data-sharing agreements and protocols, ensuring that data collection and utilization are managed respectfully and with full transparency. When fishers know that their data is handled responsibly, it lays the groundwork for a trusting relationship.
To demonstrate the usefulness of real-time data-gathering initiatives and Digital Twins, ILVO focused on creating economic and practical incentives that reflect respect and commitment to the fishers’ needs. This approach began with the development of business intelligence tools tailored for fishers, providing them with greater insights into their own fishing activities. Once fishers see the tangible benefits of gathering fishery-related data, it opens avenues for sharing this data for research purposes. Win-win scenarios were emphasized, such as building fuel-efficiency models, vessel-routing optimizations, and catch prediction models. Aligning these projects with improved operational efficiency and economic opportunities reinforces that fishers’ welfare is a priority.
Equally important is creating avenues for genuine participation. Engaging fishers through structured forums, such as knowledge-sharing circles (kenniskringen), allows them to voice their concerns, provide feedback, and actively shape the direction of projects. Regular communication, including workshops, informational sessions, and data-sharing events, ensures that fishers remain informed and involved, fostering a sense of ownership over the initiatives they support. This approach also offers opportunities to adapt products to meet fishers’ evolving needs.
By embedding transparency, fostering genuine participation, and aligning project goals with the tangible needs of fishers, trust is not only built but sustained over the long term. This approach creates a collaborative environment where fishers feel respected, heard, and valued—critical components for the success of any fisheries-related initiative.