Help a Researcher Out!

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), in collaboration with the PEW Charitable Trusts, is undertaking a global horizon scan to harness worldwide knowledge to identify and prioritise emerging issues in relation to future illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices impacted by climate change.

IUU fishing is a major and growing global threat to public health, security, and some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. A warmer future will present a range of new challenges for local, national, and global efforts to counter this threat. As fish numbers and distributions shift in response to climate change, offenders will adapt, profiting from new opportunities and altering their modus operandi. Most research and interventions have, to-date, focussed on the current dynamics of IUU fishing. However, shifting our focus to look ahead is now of pivotal importance.

To support a proactive approach, we are leading a horizon scan to identify and prioritise emerging issues that are likely to have either a high positive or negative impact on IUU fishing in the next 10 years. Issues may either present as opportunities or challenges.

We invite all those interested in contributing expertise and insight to participate. You do not need a deep understanding of IUU fishing or climate change, or be working within either area. We would like to hear from a wide range of institutions, disciplines and sectors. The findings of this research will guide global policy; outlining practical responses to emerging threats and providing crucial recommendations for key stakeholders and decision-makers.

To take part in this study, you will need to complete a short online survey to initially help identify potential emerging issues. Should you wish to be considered to participate in later stages of the horizon scanning process (prioritisation and further investigation of issues), you will need to have completed the online survey. All those who actively participate throughout the whole horizon scanning process will be appropriately recognized as contributors in the final publication(s).

By participating in this research you will:

• Help provide early warning signs of future trends in IUU fishing, which will allow allocation of resources, technological progress and policy change in good time.

• Generate evidence to inform the strategy of governments, academics, businesses and NGOs, and inform necessary changes to regulatory and legal frameworks.

• Benefit from the chance to contribute to high-level IUU fishing policy debates.

• Gain acknowledgement in any resultant publication(s) (unless you wish to remain anonymous).

To access the survey head here: IUU Fishing in a Warming World.
Additional guidance is available here: Survey Guidance Document.

Producing a submission can take as little as 15 minutes but will vary depending on level of detail and supporting information. You are welcome to submit either as individual or collectively with peers.

The deadline for submitting a contribution is January 10, 2022.

The views and opinions expressed by guest contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Ocean Oculus.