Client
In collaboration with the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation BIF supported a collaborative effort between environmentalist groups and New England fisherman to create a shared vision for sustainable groundfish stocks in New England.
Design Challenge
How might we create a shared vision for a sustainable business model of ground fishing? And can we create a shared vision and alignment for the most critical capability, monitoring and accountability?
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Marine Conservation Initiative (MCI) – which supports healthy ocean ecosystems – has been working to improve sustainability in New England fisheries since 2005. Specifically, in New England, the monitoring and accountability of ground fish (flounder, halibut, cod, sole) stocks has been a key challenge. At stake is the sustainability of communities – sustainability of livelihoods and economies and the environmental sustainability of fishing stocks.
Approach
BIF will be partnering with MCI to pull together diverse stakeholders in a participatory design process. Together, stakeholders will identify the primary challenges that need to be addressed by collaboratively creating a shared vision for ground fish accountability and monitoring. By engaging stakeholders in the co-creation of a shared outcome, we have the opportunity to create “better fit” solutions, leading to more effective sustainability efforts for everyone.
BIF will lead a participatory design process to dive into the needs and perspectives of 20-25 key groundfish stakeholders in the region including agency managers, fishermen, environmentalists, scientists, monitoring businesses and decision makers.
Impact Statement
Through a collaborative process, we believe that the specific needs of all stakeholders can inform a shared vision. Although it is a highly polarized debate, we believe that an outcome to benefit everyone is not only possible but necessary. Moving forward, the trust built by participants of the collaborative design process will help to ensure the sustainability of New England fisheries.
