The GAP2 Exchange Blogs

GAP2 is funding fishermen, scientists and policy makers to undertake exchange trips in Europe and abroad, to learn more about successful collaboration. As they learn how scientists and fishermen work together around the world, you can follow their progress by reading their blogs below. And if you think you may want to get involved yourself – find out more the GAP2 Exchange here

Lyme Bay-Morro Bay Exchange

The BLUE Marine Foundation organised the exchange, sending three representatives from the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve; Andy Woolmer (Fisheries Consultant), Simon Pengelly (Policy-maker) and Jon Shuker (Fisherman). GAP2 scientist Emma Pearson and fishermanAlan Steer accompanied the exchange.

Read more about their experiences in the Lyme Bay- Morro Bay Exchange Blog

Lake Vättern - Lake Constance Exchange

GAP2 Scientist Dr Alfred Sandström  and a team of scientists, fishers, and policy managers from GAP2′s Lake Vättern case study in Sweden travel to Lake Constance to see what can come out of mutual knowledge-sharing for lake fisheries.

Read more about their experiences in the Lake Vättern – Lake Constance Exchange blog

The Puget Sound-Filey Bay Exchange

In September 2014, Rory Crawford, a Senior Policy Officer at BirdLife and Rex Harrison, Salmon Fisherman from Filey Bay are travelling to the Puget Sound, Washington to learn about reducing seabird by-catch through using the latest gillnet designs and research. Our Communications officer, Katrina Borrow, is travelling there as well!

Read more about their experiences in the Puget Sound – Filey Bay exchange blog

The Italian-Dutch Exchange

In July 2014, Sasa Raicevich, a GAP2 scientist working on our Italian Case Study, travelling to the Netherlands with a group of fishers and local management officials, to learn about the controversial method of ‘pulse trawling’ from the GAP2 Dutch case study.

Read more about their experiences in the Italian-Dutch exchange blog

Maiken Bjørkan

From November 2013 until March 2014, Maiken, a social anthropologist based in Norway, will be living and working in Spain. Working with fishermen and scientists involved in the Red Shrimp case study, Maiken will be studying how management plans are implemented from a “people perspective”.

Read more about her experiences in Maiken’s Blog


Steve Mackinson

Coordinator of the GAP2 Project, Steve is spending six months with the Seafood Industry Council in New Zealand. Steve wants to understand how the Council successfully brings scientists and fishermen together, through promoting industry’s involvement in research, data analysis and policy advice.

Read more about his experiences in Steven’s Blog

Pablo Pita Orduna

A scientist involved in the Galician case study, Pablo is travelling to Australia to work with Dr Jeremy Prince (also known as The Barefoot Ecologist) to learn more about using fishers’ knowledge when managing fisheries.

Read more about his experiences in Pablo’s Blog

Martin Pastoors

Leader of GAP2’s Work Package 3 “Making a Difference”, Martin is exploring how the GAP2 project can share its understanding and knowledge with the Canadian Fisheries Research Network, an organisation driven by industry, bringing fishers and scientists together.

Read more about his experiences in Martin’s Blog

Kari Stange

Wageningen University PHD candidate and GAP2 researcher, Kari is working with the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation who, as middlemen between fishers and decision makers, are deeply engaged in EU fisheries management issues. Kari is especially interested in collaborative efforts in developing long term management plans.

Read more about her experiences in Kari’s Blog.

The Canadian Exchange

GAP2 researchers and stakeholders travelled to St. Andrews, Canada, exchanging experiences with local lobster fishermen and researchers. Among the delegation were Marloes KraanSaša Raicevich & Pablo Pita Orduna. A return exchange took place in March 2014, with Canadian fishers and scientists travelling to the Netherlands.

Read more about the outcomes, lessons and experiences in The Canadian Exchange Blog.

Rosie Magudia

Rosie Magudia accompanied a group of crab fishermen from the South West of the British Isles, as they travelled to Steigen in Northern Norway during April 2013. The purpose of the trip was for scientists and fishermen from both communities to share lessons on sustainable fishing. As an impartial bystander, Rosie blogs about her experiences here.