Innovation through consultation: Stakeholder perceptions of a novel fisheries management system reveal flexible approach to solving fisheries challenges

In the face of political and environmental uncertainty, adaptive management methods are needed to respond to variable natural resources and changing management frameworks. Based on close to real-time information up-dates, and harnessing modern technology, Real-Time Incentive (RTI) fisheries management is designed to co- evolve with the resource, enabling efficient responses to management issues as they arise, without the need for major structural changes. Through spatio-temporal management, and the use of a credit system, incentives can be incorporated as rewards for desirable actions. In order for such a new system to be useful and accepted, stakeholders must be involved in the development and design process. This paper details the consultative process carried out with Irish demersal fishery stakeholders in an effort to identify their likes and dislikes of the system, and work towards tailoring the RTI system into a practical solution that works for them. In this process, we achieved a detailed understanding of the fishery, the complexity of the system, and the challenges faced by the stakeholders, all of which must be considered when attempting to implement a new system such as RTI. A range of solutions were proposed, including new ideas for the future development of the RTI system. Most striking were the numerous ideas and approaches to tackling key issues currently facing the industry, many of which have relevance to existing fisheries management. Given the freedom and support to do so, fishing industry stake-holders appear eager to contribute to solving many of their own problems.