The JAKFISH approach to participatory modelling was mainly inspired by the concept of post-normal science [26] and [27]. A policy situation can be considered post-normal when stakes are high and scientific knowledge is uncertain ( Fig. 1) [26] and [28], which often is the case for fisheries. In such

situations, one cannot rely on textbook knowledge, and trust that scientists alone will be able to give the answers – because there is not one single answer due to the uncertainties and decision E7080 ic50 stakes involved. The different types of uncertainties have traditionally been dealt with insufficiently by the science, and some scientists have advocated to bring them to the centre of the policy

debate [3], [5] and [7]. A central element of post-normal science is extended peer review, where the scientific “peer review community” is extended to include stakeholders [27]. An extended peer review process extends beyond simply ensuring the scientific credibility of results to ensuring the relevance of the results for the policy process. Crucial for an extended peer review is that non-experts understand the implied uncertainties in scientific knowledge so that management actions can take them into account. Practical experience with participatory modelling for natural resource management and marine governance is still limited. JAKFISH explored the potential of

participatory modelling in four case studies and http://www.selleckchem.com/products/nutlin-3a.html in varied and Thymidylate synthase flexible ways. Context and issues differed in each case study, thus representing different situations that can arise within the CFP. This diversity in case studies enabled us to learn about possible options and basic procedural and structural requirements of participatory processes that involve stakeholders in model-related activities. This paper reviews the participatory processes carried out in the four JAKFISH case studies and synthesizes the achievements, failures and successes. In Section 2, an overview is given of forms of participatory modelling and ways of handling uncertainty. Detailed characteristics of the four JAKFISH case studies and their individual participatory modelling approaches are presented in Section 3. Section 4 reflects upon the lessons learned. The paper concludes with suggestions for the further integration of participatory approaches into fisheries management. The following paragraphs sketch possible forms of participatory modelling and uncertainty handling with relevance for the JAKFISH case studies. Participatory modelling is an emerging instrument of stakeholder involvement into scientific modelling for the governance of natural resources. It can take place at different stages of the modelling process, spanning from the construction to the actual use of a model [29].