Biotelemetry informing management: case studies exploring successful integration of biotelemetry data into fisheries and habitat management

• Published in: Canadian journal of fisheries and aquatic sciences Vol. 76; no. 7; pp. 1238 - 1252
• Main Authors: Brooks, J.L, Chapman, J.M, Barkley, A.N, Kessel, S.T, Hussey, N.E, Hinch, S.G, Patterson, D.A, Hedges, K.J, Cooke, S.J, Fisk, A.T, Gruber, S.H, Nguyen, V.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ottawa NRC Research Press 01.07.2019; Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press
• Subjects: Biotelemetry; Case studies; Communication; Conservation; Environmental management; Environmental protection; Fish; Fish industry; Fisheries; Fisheries management; Fishery management; Fishery policies; Fishes; Freshwater; Habitats; Halibut; Information sharing; Integration; Knowledge; Knowledge management; Laboratory experimentation; Lemons; Local movements; Marine; Methods; Migrations; Negaprion brevirostris; Oncorhynchus; Questions; Reinhardtius hippoglossoides; Salmon; Scientific advice; Scientists; Sharks; Skills; Sonic tags; Telemetry; Tracking networks; Wildlife management; Canada; Nunavut; British Columbia; Greenland; British Columbia Canada; Cumberland Sound; Florida; United States > US; North America Coasts
• ISSN: 0706-652X; 1205-7533
• DOI: 10.1139/cjfas-2017-0530

Biotelemetry data have been successfully incorporated into aspects of fishery and fish habitat management; however, the processes of knowledge mobilization are rarely published in peer-reviewed literature but are valuable and of interest to conservation scientists. Here, we explore case examples from the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN), including Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in British Columbia, Canada; Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in Cumberland Sound, Canada; and lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) in Florida, USA, to document key processes for science integration. Typical recommendations documented in the literature (e.g., co-production of knowledge, transdisciplinary methodologies, applied research questions) were recorded to have had successful fisheries management integration, although we documented some exceptions. In each case, it was early, active, and ongoing communication outside of traditional science communication and the visual evidence of fish movement that were critical in engaging all parties with a vested interest. Networks offer forums for knowledge sharing on lessons learned and development of skills to engage in active communication. Greater investments and attention to develop these skills are needed to foster positive and active relationships that can impart real change in management and conservation.