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Cited by 109Sustainability and Climate Change GovernanceCoastal and Marine ManagementPublic Policy and Administration Research

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Evaluating adaptive co-management as conservation conflict resolution: Learning from seals and salmon

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Butler, J.R.A., Young, J.C., McMyn, I.A.G., Leyshon, B., Graham, I.M., Walker, I., Baxter, J.M., Dodd, J., Warburton, C.·2015·Journal of Environmental Management
DOI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.06.019
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Abstract

By linking iterative learning and knowledge generation with power-sharing, adaptive co-management (ACM) provides a potential solution to resolving complex social-ecological problems. In this paper we evaluate ACM as a mechanism for resolving conservation conflict using a case study in Scotland, where seal and salmon fishery stakeholders have opposing and entrenched objectives. ACM emerged in 2002, successfully resolving this long-standing conflict. Applying evaluation approaches from the literature, in 2011 we interviewed stakeholders to characterise the evolution of ACM, and factors associated with its success over 10 years. In common with other ACM cases, triggers for the process were shifts in slow variables controlling the system (seal and salmon abundance, public perceptions of seal shooting), and exogenous shocks (changes in legal mandates, a seal disease outbreak). Also typical of ACM, three phases of evolution were evident: emerging local leadership preparing the system for change, a policy window of opportunity, and stakeholder partnerships building the resilience of the system. Parameters maintaining ACM were legal mechanisms and structures, legal power held by government, and the willingness of all stakeholders to reach a compromise and experiment with an alternative governance approach. Results highlighted the critical role of government power and support in resolving conservation conflict, which may constrain the extent of local stakeholder-driven ACM. The evaluation also demonstrated how, following perceived success, the trajectory of ACM has shifted to a 'stakeholder apathy' phase, with declining leadership, knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement, and system resilience. We discuss remedial actions required to revive the process, and the importance of long term government resourcing and alternative financing schemes for successful conflict resolution. Based on the results we present a generic indicator framework and participatory method for the longitudinal evaluation of ACM applied to conservation conflict resolution.

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Metadata

Authors
Butler, J. R. A., Young, J. C., McMyn, I. A. G., Leyshon, B., Graham, I. M., Walker, I., Baxter, J. M., Dodd, J., & Warburton, C.
Affiliations
  • Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (AU)
  • UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (GB)
  • University of Stirling (GB)
  • Scottish Natural Heritage (GB)
  • University of Aberdeen (GB)
  • Scottish Government (GB)
Corresponding author
Butler, J.R.A.
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Environmental Management
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2015-09
Volume
160
Pages
212-225
ISSN
0301-4797 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.06.019
OpenAlex
W843507652
Cited by
109
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 1
FWCI
8.20
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Environmental Management (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • NERC Open Research Archive (Natural Environment Research Council) (acceptedVersion)
  • Aberdeen University Research Archive (Aberdeen University) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Natural Environment Research Council (ceh020002)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Sustainability and Climate Change Governance
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law › Coastal and Marine Management
  • Social Sciences › Public Administration › Public Policy and Administration Research
Keywords
adaptive co-management, sealing, salmon fisheries, stakeholder engagement, power sharing, policy windows, system resilience, slow variables, participatory evaluation, Scotland
MeSH terms
Animals, Conservation of Natural Resources, Fisheries, Humans, Salmon, Scotland, Negotiating, Seals, Earless, Public-Private Sector Partnerships

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