Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2018

AUTHORS. William W. Fetzer, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT. The complexity of fisheries management within the context of coupled socio-ecological systems requires an understanding of feedbacks between ecological and socio-economic components of the management system.  Identifying these feedbacks is often difficult for fisheries students, scientists, and managers, limiting their ability to understand and communicate where science might best inform management.  Here, I propose the development of Manager’s Models as a valuable tool to teach fisheries students 1) The structure of the management system 2) Feedbacks between management actions and socio-ecological systems 3) Where science informs management, and 4) How to effectively communicate implications of research to management.  I discuss my experiences conceptualizing a Manager’s Model for Oneida Lake, New York, USA, to highlight feedbacks between major ecological and social components within this socio-ecological system.  This approach provides students with an appreciation and familiarity with social aspects of fisheries management, by building on strong foundations in traditional fisheries curriculum, not detracting from them.  Additionally, this experience develops professional and interpersonal skills necessary to contribute to management teams and prepares students for the challenges of decision making associated with management of complex socio-ecological systems.  Fisheries scientists and managers can also benefit from this exercise, because it provides a framework to incorporate both ecological and social knowledge into fisheries management.