What factors influence the strategies and choices of Scottish fishers? A feasibility study

Tender description

Marine Scotland would like to commission a piece of research, including a literature review and a pilot study, on behalf of Scottish Ministers to understand what factors influence the decisions that fishers make in order to adapt to changes in the marine environment. The research will enable policy teams to improve policy design and implementation to more efficiently achieve the aims of a resilient and sustainable fishing industry. This project has two overarching aims: To gather evidence to provide a first step in understanding what drives and influences the reasoning and decision making of fishers who operate in Scottish waters, with regard to their fishing activity. To understand what methods or techniques can be used to research what drives and influences the reasoning and decision making of fishers who operate in Scottish waters, with regard to their fishing activity. And develop a plan for carrying out this work in Scotland. The project objectives are to: Conduct a review of existing evidence and literature and deliver a report on findings Develop a plan and methodology to research this topic in Scotland, including the approach to the collection of primary data using appropriate methods An optional extra objective is to collect primary data, using appropriate social research methods, to expand on findings from the literature review Produce a report including Findings from the literature review and fieldwork (if carried out) Recommendations for how marine policy can take account of the factors and drivers of fisher behaviour Recommendations for how to conduct further research on this topic