A framework for fuzzy cognitive mapping workshops: Shark depredation as a case study

Abstract

Recreational fisheries are dynamic and complex social–ecological systems with many actors and threats, both real and perceived. Challenges related to the management of recreational fisheries may be attributed to tensions and misunderstandings among anglers and agencies charged with regulation and enforcement. Fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) is a semiquantitative way to capture and share the perceptions of different stakeholders and can be a useful tool for revealing issues and tensions in recreational fisheries. Our paper aims to use our experience with FCM workshops focused on shark depredation to reveal the benefits and challenges behind this process. Specifically, we held two in-person workshops that included FCM-building exercises to gain perspectives on beliefs and perceptions about depredation, one with anglers to capture their on-water local ecological knowledge and the other with fisheries managers and scientists. We implemented two different FCM methodologies to capture perceptions among stakeholder groups to understand potential barriers to mitigating shark depredation. Although FCM can uncover subtleties within complex systems and build trust between managers and stakeholders, its use, adoption, and implementation are potentially hampered by its seemingly complex approach and subjectivity. Coproducing FCMs for shark depredation showcased the benefits of shared learning opportunities among stakeholders, managers, and scientists. Collectively, we hope that our experiences with FCM and the process we reveal can act as a catalyst for other opportunities where such methods can be used to establish a shared understanding of the complexities of recreational fisheries and highlight paths to hone outreach and management.