Work programme

To ensure MariFish achieves its goal of coordinating research, the work packages have been structured into a framework, illustrated below, which helps ensure a logical progression of activities from the outset, and ensure that clear linkages are maintained between activities.  Each Work Package (WP) falls under one of four main activity headings:

• Management
• Identification
• Analysis
• Implementation

Management (WP1 and WP2)

This addresses the need for overall management of the network itself, including achieving proper cohesiveness and sense of purpose among the members.  WP2 aims to establish ‘best practice’, identifying, commissioning and managing fisheries research programmes and for this reason is included in this activity.  (Note: for budgetary purposes WP2 costs and effort are classed as ‘Coordination Activities’.

Identification (WP3 and WP4)

This activity will achieve a description of current national programmes and will build on existing researcher-led coordination and linkages and collaboration at the regional and international levels.  Special emphasis will be given to an area where primary definition and listing of research is needed, that of socio-economic science.

Analysis (WP5 and WP6)

This activity will take all the information gathered from ‘Identification’ and establish where there are common interests, duplication and gaps. Specific research topics which will benefit from special coordination initiatives will be identified.

Implementation (WP7 and WP8)

MariFish will prepare and commission shared research programmes in key areas identified under ‘Analysis’.  In addition a process to identify and then jointly fund a future innovative strategic programme of fisheries research will be launched.