Successful Fisher/Inventors Use Mental Modeling to Streamline the Engineering Process

When addressing bycatch, the proverbial wisdom is that projects must involve fishers from the beginning of the process. How is this best done? Using comparative case study analysis it is possible to identify empirically-derived principles for engaging fishers that are associated with positive outcomes.  These case studies are the efforts to reduce sea turtle bycatch in the U.S. shrimp trawl fishery and dolphin bycatch in the U.S. tuna purse seine fishery.  This research involved nearly 50 interviews and over 700 documents analyzed with a grounded theory approach within the framework of theories on invention, diffusion of innovation, technology transfer, and expertise.  I identify a common profile shared by fishers who invented successful bycatch reduction devices. Namely, they have extensive experience in fishing and fabrication and have the ability to mentally-model prototypes. The common hindrances in engaging fishers include: selecting fishers as partners based on convenience rather than relevant bycatch solving ability, differences in cultures of communication between partners, and failure to appropriately "court" fishers in accordance with their cultural norms. This presentation offers recommendations for how to identify potential partners that fit the Successful Fisher/Inventor Profile and how to initiate partnerships so as to avoid the common stumbling blocks.