Enhancing Communication Strategy for Fisheries Professional

While conducting novel research, developing new technologies, and implementing innovative management strategies have been central to the fisheries profession, we argue that the art and science of communication is crucial to the success of fisheries management programs.  Communication is essential because it creates trust between fisheries scientists and other members of the community, translates knowledge into political and resource management action, and helps fisheries scientists maintain their relevance and support from the rest of the society. As a result of the benefits engagement in effective communication can provide, young fisheries professionals should add skills in this area to their arsenal of expertise. We recommend that every fisheries professional be well equipped in the following areas: 1) creating communication strategies and 2) successfully demonstrating so-called “people skills.” We encourage the development of communication strategies to help better convey valuable information to others, by considering the characteristics of one’s audience, defining a succinct message, carefully determining the best method of conveying information, and identifying the anticipated outcome of communication. In addition, developing skills in relating well to others and understanding the responses of one’s audience, helps to ease and improve the process of communicating both within the fisheries profession and beyond it.