Fisheries governance in an inclusive and sustainable blue economy

The blue economy is expected to double in value to USD 3 trillion by 2030, globally. Rapid expansion of diverse sectors (aquaculture, coastal tourism, shipping, mining and offshore renewables) can displace or dispossess 'traditional' maritime sectors of the ocean resources they depend upon. In particular, (small-scale) fisheries are "subtly and overtly squeezed for geographic, political and economic space" with important implications for governance processes (e.g., trust, participation and compliance) and outcomes (livelihoods, food security and sustainable management of resources). In the UK, there is strong growth predicted in offshore renewables and aquaculture sectors alongside expanding conservation and protection of marine space through, for example, Marine Conservation Zones and Highly Protected Marine Areas all of which is escalating tensions within fisheries and marine governance. This doctoral research responds to a desire by fisheries and marine managers and policy-makers in the UK to re-set relationships with fisheries stakeholders and, in turn, improve levels of engagement and collaboration in policy development and implementation, particularly as impetus on nature recovery and net zero strengthens.

The aim of this research is to understand fishers' and industry experiences of and responses to 'spatial squeeze' and potential displacement within the UK's blue economy, and to identify opportunities for trust-building and improved collaboration in fisheries and marine governance. The research is guided by four objectives, to:

1. Create an evidence map of existing initiatives to document spatial squeeze of fisheries and its social, cultural, economic and ecological impacts in the UK.
2. Collect primary data on the social impacts and everyday experiences of spatial squeeze, including its implications for trust in marine governance processes at multiple levels.
3. Identify and analyse the governance processes and stakeholder strategies which mediate conflict and build trust.
4. Co-create a road-map to re-build and strengthen trust and collaboration in fisheries and marine governance