Engaging Stakeholders in their Fisheries Future: Lessons from Fisheries Workshops in Michigan

Session: 13. - Building Relationships of Anglers and Scientists toward Sustainable Fisheries

Brandon Schroeder, Michigan Sea Grant, schroe45@msu.edu
Mary Bohling, Michigan State University Extension, bohling@msu.edu
Dan O'Keefe, Michigan Sea Grant, okeefed@msu.edu
Ronald Kinnunen, Michigan State Univ., Sea Grant Ext., kinnune1@msu.edu
Steve Stewart, Michigan Sea Grant, stew@anr.msu.edu
Elliot Nelson, Michigan Sea Grant, elliotne@msu.edu
Justin Selden, Michigan Sea Grant, seldenju@anr.msu.edu

Abstract

Michigan Sea Grant, in partnership with fisheries agencies and stakeholder organizations, hosts annual public workshops to share current research and information related to the regional status of Great Lakes fisheries. Workshops are held in several locations around the state and serve lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron and Erie audiences; and others serve industry specific audiences. Ranging from evening sessions to day-long weekend formats, these educational workshops bring communities and stakeholders, research and management partners together around current Great Lakes fisheries topics and issues. Through the lens of a Lake Huron case study, we illustrate how workshops foster relationships among Lake Huron researchers and managers, coastal communities and fishery stakeholders. Over the past 12 years, more than 2,200 unique individual learners have participated and engaged in dialogue with fisheries researchers and managers collectively working to better understand and respond to Lake Huron’s changing fishery. Research and management agencies share information and gain input on fisheries issues and management topics through facilitated dialogue with anglers. Agencies also recruit angler involvement in fisheries research through citizen science opportunities. Workshop participant surveys document how these educational workshops have enhanced stakeholder learning and engagement in fisheries issues, research, and management in Lake Huron.

1. Keyword
public participation

2. Keyword
fish management

3. Keyword
citizen science

4. Additional Keyword
public education

5. Additional Keyword
angler engagement