GAP2 Project Coordinator Dr Steve Mackinson, reflects on a recent review of the GAP2 Project’s impact, 30 months into the 48 month project.
“A recent review of the impact GAP2 project shows that we are on the right track and picking up speed.
Collaboration amongst stakeholders and scientists is excellent and more than half of the case studies are starting to have an influence on management and policy issues at the local or regional scale.
Supported by the work of an independent reviewer, the Steering Group and external ‘users’ of GAP2 (in ICES, the Commission and beyond) helped direct us to a few areas where we have opportunity to do better. In many cases partners are already being proactive in these areas.
We see a building and shaping of ongoing activity rather than a change in direction.
I thank all the partners for their efforts in gathering the information for the review, which has provided valuable insight and given new impetus to our work of the final 18 months of GAP2. We’ll summarise and distribute the outcomes soon. In the meantime, we will continue to dig deep and show the world the value of participatory research in working towards sustainable European fisheries.”
