Fisheries in flux: Bridging science and policy for climate-resilient management of US fisheries under distributional change
Jacqueline M. Vogel, Arielle Levine, Catherine Longo, Rod Fujita, Catherine Alves, Gemma Carroll, J. Kevin Craig, Kiley Dancy, Melissa N. Errend, Timothy E. Essington, Nima Farchadi, Sarah M. Glaser, Abigail S. Golden, Olaf P. Jensen, Monica LeFlore, Julia G. Mason, Katherine E. Mills, Juliano Palacios‐Abrantes, Anthony Rogers, Jameal F. Samhouri, Matthew K. Seeley, Elizabeth R. Selig, Ashley Trudeau, Colette C. C. Wabnitz
Abstract
As climate change reshapes marine ecosystems, the dynamics of fish stocks are undergoing rapid transformation. Understanding these shifts and their multifaceted impacts demands more than just scientific inquiry; it necessitates a fusion of knowledge, collaboration, and action. However, the translation of cutting-edge research on the changing distributions and abundance of fish stocks into actionable strategies remains a daunting challenge. Climate change considerations are a relatively new area for fisheries management in the US, and there is often a gap between the scientific research being produced and the management processes through which it can be applied in practice. To address this gap, this research utilizes a co-productive workshop approach to elucidate and assess the current trajectory from scientific inquiry to management practice in the context of climate-impacted US fisheries. The workshop and subsequent analyses yielded 27 actionable recommendations and two strategic pathways. These pathways were designed to concentrate efforts on two critical fronts: 1) enhancing venues for collaboration between scientists and managers; and 2) establishing a cooperative framework for defining and prioritizing goals for climate-resilient management. Post-hoc analyses grounded these pathways within established frameworks and literature related to implementation science and science-policy connectivity. Tangible examples further exemplify the recommended actions and demonstrate the practical significance of this work for enhancing resilient management of fisheries in the face of climate uncertainty.