Fishers and local managers received a slightly modified version of the original questionnaire: questions dealing with technical specifications of the models were omitted. Also, one questionnaire Lumacaftor nmr was prepared and distributed to the stakeholders after the completion of the modelling work (management scenario evaluations) asking them to review and evaluate the accomplished work. The timing of the JAKFISH process fitted well in the formal ICCAT process: At about the time the JAKFISH project started, the ICCAT Scientific Committee had pointed out the necessity for the establishment of a long-term management plan for the Mediterranean swordfish

stock. When collaboration was agreed, the Scientific Committee provided a general outline of the management scenarios that should be evaluated in the JAKFISH process. This facilitated a quick, focused and pragmatic start of the case study in terms of model selection tools and model building. Uncertainties and risks were defined at a later stage during the process. The regular time frame of ABT-199 ICCAT specific species-group meetings facilitated the presentation and discussion of intermediate results and consequently the overall planning of the JAKFISH work. Fishers raised questions about certain epistemic uncertainties that were not considered in the existing evaluation models due to lack of relevant scientific knowledge. Hence, the case

study did not zoom in on those uncertainties raised by the stakeholders, and second one could argue that in this respect the science did not entirely follow a “post-normal” approach, which would have meant to focus on a different problem framing. Instead, the case study stuck to its foreseen modelling approach, producing various management strategy simulations. This suggests that there is always the possibility that stakeholders can raise questions that cannot be addressed – independently of the modelling tools used. Through the participatory modelling process, ICCAT member states reached consensus on one specific technical measure (seasonal closure). This method emerged as having an evident link with the biology of the stock, and

it was felt that it could be agreed on between the different countries and enforced over all fishing sectors. The model simulations indicate that it can lead to stock recovery. The Nephrops case study was chosen based on two major issues: (1) differing objectives of stakeholders, and (2) high uncertainties in the science/scientific advice. 1. The Nephrops sub-group of the North Sea RAC were in the process of drafting a long term management plan (LTMP) for the fishery, which could subsequently assist in efforts to gain accreditation from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), whose “pre-assessment” process had highlighted the need for a formal management plan). However, the different fishery stakeholders have been struggling with agreeing on objectives for the fishery.