Citizens' views and preferences for Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management

Understanding public demands and preferences are crucial for policy success. This Policy Brief provides a summary of a large-scale survey performed as part of the EU-funded EcoScope project to understand citizens’ views and preferences for Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM). The survey gathered responses to over 100 questions from more than 1,500 individuals in the UK, Bulgaria, and Malta. The people responding represented the broader population of each country, and included respondents of diverse education and income levels, from ethnic majorities and minorities, and with a range of marital and employment statuses. Key findings were that the majority of people eat fish at least once a week, support regulations to improve fisheries management - particularly if they protect marine life - and are willing to pay more for fish labelled as ‘sustainable stock’ or ‘protects marine life’, despite the overwhelming majority having never heard of the term “Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM)”. Citizens also supported the use of taxpayer money for improving fisheries regulation. The Policy Brief recommends to: 1) Educate the public about EBFM and its benefits; 2) Consider public concerns and priorities when designing fisheries regulations; and 3) Understand and research the social implications of fisheries policies, such as their effects on food security and other marine ecosystem services that impact individuals and communities.