Assessing Equity in the Distribution of Fisheries Management Benefits Data and Information Availability (2024) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
5 Next Steps and Current Efforts for Assessing Equity
5 Next Steps and Current Efforts for Assessing Equity
Pages 75-90
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From page 75... ...
The committee heard of very few examples -- and none that were fully operational at the regional scale -- of participatory approaches to enhance procedural or recognitional equity that had succeeded in incorporating the perspectives of traditionally underserved communities, or that could demonstrate more equitable processes as well as outcomes stemming from management decisions. Under a more complete framing of equity, categories of data and information and methodologies for collection are developed within broader processes that engage the diverse and sometimes conflicting knowledges and values associated with fisheries, as well as perceptions of what is considered equitable distribution (criteria)
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From page 76... ...
A prominent example of ongoing work supporting a more complete approach to equity is the NMFS Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy (EEJS) , which acknowledges that underserved communities experience several barriers to receiving "fair treatment and meaningful involvement in NOAA Fisheries" (NMFS, 2023b)
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From page 77... ...
Despite innovative efforts by staff in the agency, fishery management councils, and regional science centers that could inform multidimensional assessments of equity (including procedural and recognitional equity) , the capacity to do the challenging work needed is limited, and existing staff are overburdened.
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From page 78... ...
MEASURING WHAT IS VALUED OR VALUING WHAT IS MEASURED Given the emphasis on methodological approaches in the statement of task, the committee notes the challenges associated with data and information and the assessment of equity concerns. For example, contemporary governance often emphasizes management goals and targets and identifying measurable indicators that can be monitored to assess progress (Campbell et al., 2014; Cooper, 2015)
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From page 79... ...
A NOTE ON EPISTEMOLOGY In this section, the committee highlights the utility of expanding the historical epistemological foundations of fisheries management to more fully address equity concerns. By "epistemological foundations" we mean the ontological assumptions, methods, data types, and analytical practices that are perceived to be valid for establishing "truth" (in this case with respect to fisheries management)
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From page 80... ...
This type of data is well-suited for examining large populations, predicting outcomes, enabling direct comparisons, and for conducting experiments where precise measurements are essential. Quantitative data are often produced and utilized through quantitatively oriented methods and analytical/interpretative processes such as biological surveys, stock assessments and bio-economic modeling (and, on the social science "side," surveys)
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From page 81... ...
Finally, the committee notes that because the quantitative/qualitative distinctions described above are rooted in western scientific knowledge systems, they share both underlying ontological and epistemological assumptions that are not shared in all places and by all groups involved in, or affected by, fisheries management decisions. This can and does include equity concerns.
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From page 82... ...
NMFS Guidelines for the Assessment of Social Impact of Fisheries Management Actions Social impact assessments, which have long been part of NOAA's decision-making, are required for NMFS management actions under both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
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From page 83... ...
Most recently, a 2020 technical report provides a step-by-step handbook for planning and conducting social impact assessments. The document builds on the 2007 guidance document and includes a wide range of social impacts that could be precipitated by various management actions.
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From page 84... ...
For example, the question of what criteria are used for allocating catch is accompanied by a question of how fishery participants themselves define fairness (recognitional equity; see Table 5-3 in this report)
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From page 85... ...
Table 5-3 provides an illustration of the application of the methodology to the second principle in recognitional equity: "Respect for all relevant actors." Although SAGE does not address contextual equity within the questionnaire, it recognizes context both generally -- for example, protected areas' impact on local people and their use of common pool resources -- and specifically in the preparation phase, which includes an actor analysis, site profile and consent, and assessment of six feasibility conditions (including, e.g., whether or not there are high levels of resentment between local communities and park managers)
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From page 86... ...
. The Protocol for Identifying, Analyzing, and Incorporating Local Knowledge, Traditional Knowledge, and Subsistence Information into the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Decision-Making Process The Protocol for Identifying, Analyzing, and Incorporating Local Knowledge, Traditional Knowledge, and Subsistence Information (hereafter, the LKTKS protocol)
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From page 87... ...
For example, the LKTKS protocol speaks directly to the issue of interest in procedural equity, pointing to the time and resources required for local and Traditional Knowledge holders to participate in council decision-making processes, the need to support sharing of local and Traditional Knowledge in ways that are meaningful to the knowledge holders, and the burnout associated with multiple demands on their knowledge, especially when there is little evidence that it impacts management processes (NPFMC, 2023)
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From page 88... ...
While a shift toward a truly holistic approach to equity will take time and resources shorterterm and lower-cost changes may help begin to "move the needle." NMFS can help to indicate its commitment to improving equity by identifying points in the management process that are inconsistent with policy and could be rethought and modified within a more comprehensive approach to equity. For example, this report highlights SAFE reports for tracking of fishery outcomes and social impact assessments for proposed rulemakings as potential on-ramps to improving equity in fisheries.
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From page 89... ...
These may include trainings and/or dialogues for NMFS, Council, and/or science center staff to improve awareness and understanding of equity considerations in fishery science and policy (e.g., Alaska Native Governance & Protocols training provided by First Alaskans Institute)
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