Staying hooked: effective science engagement and communication in recreational fisheries

11 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, supplementary material https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1589544/full#supplementary-material

This abstract summarizes the results of two expert consultations conducted to gather insights into effective communication and engagement strategies in recreational fisheries. Effective science communication fosters knowledge, understanding, and trust in both science and management decisions. Public involvement and stakeholder engagement are essential for effective management. Simplifying complex research findings and using diverse communication tools enhance awareness and understanding. Strong communication strategies are necessary to implement sustainable recreational fisheries management frameworks. Funding for communication efforts is often insufficient but remains crucial for success. Participatory workshops and data-sharing arrangements enhance collaboration and involvement. Multi-stakeholder consortiums and tailored communication strategies strengthen stakeholder engagement and promote adaptive governance. Interdisciplinary outreach and strategic social media use play vital roles in raising environmental awareness

PP and VS acknowledge the financial support of the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Ramón y Cajal call, under Grants RYC2022-035937-I and RYC2021-033065-I. PP also acknowledges Xunta de Galicia, Grupos con Potencial de Crecimiento, under Grant ED431B 2024/23 and Proxectos de Excelencia, under Grant ED431F 2024/09. ML is supported by the Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación (ANII, POS_EXT_2020_1_165362). This study received Portuguese national funds from FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology through projects UIDB/04326/2020 (DOI:10.54499/UIDB/04326/2020) and LA/P/0101/2020 (DOI:10.54499/UIDP/04326/2020), and LA/P/0101/2020 (DOI:10.54499/LA/P/0101/2020), and DOI:10.54499/2022.01002.CEECIND/CP171. MSW, AML and CS have been co-funded by the European Commission’s Data Collection Framework (DCF). CS also acknowledges funding from the Danish Rod and Net Fish License funds, project 39122. RA acknowledges funding by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany in the framework of marEEchange (project number 01LC1826D)

With the institutional support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S)

Peer reviewed