Socio-economic monitoring and evaluation in fisheries

Many fisheries policies, management processes, improvement projects and funding portfolios have explicit or implicit socio-economic development or human well-being objectives. Thus, it is common for decision-makers, managers, practitioners, and funders to want to monitor and evaluate the socio-economic or human wellbeing aspects of fisheries before, during and after management or programmatic interventions at scales ranging from local to national. While numerous frameworks have been developed that focus on socio-economic assessments in fisheries, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. Socio-economic monitoring and evaluation processes should be designed to fit the specific context, analytical purpose, and objectives of the fisheries policy, management intervention, program, or investment being studied. Furthermore, these processes need to include clear plans for evaluation, communication, deliberation, and application of recommendations so that results inform decision-making. Yet, comprehensive guidance on the development of bespoke socioeconomic monitoring and evaluation plans for fisheries is lacking. This paper fills this gap through outlining the steps in the process of designing a socio-economic assessment plan, providing reference materials for various aspects (e.g., indicators, methods, analysis) of the process, and discussing how results can be communicated and used to better inform fisheries management, programs and investments. Our aim is to support the efforts of various organizations wishing to improve socio-economic and human well-being outcomes in fisheries. This paper will be useful to governments, non-governmental organizations, and funders working in fisheries ? as well as applied marine social scientists who are working with them to develop socio-economic monitoring and evaluation plans.

Automated summary

In the fisheries sector, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating social and economic development objectives into policies, management processes, and funding allocations. Monitoring and evaluating these aspects is crucial before, during, and after interventions, but a tailored approach is essential to fit the specific context and objectives of each initiative in order to inform decision-making effectively. Comprehensively designed socio-economic assessment plans are necessary to support various organizations in achieving improved outcomes in fisheries.