Publication Abstract

This contribution presents an empirical case involving fishing communities in a 45-month research project to co-design a biodegradable fishing net and study the conditions for the future appropriation of this innovation. It addresses the question of the concrete opportunities and room for maneuver left by research for fishers to act for themselves on and for their work situations and in the design of their daily tools. The analysis shows the crucial role played by fishers in producing innovation centred on the reality of their activity and their needs. Co-design created a common space between the design team and the fishers. However, the relationship remained one-sided, with the fishers donating their time, knowledge and expertise to the research and design teams. There were little positive impacts for the professional communities in terms of enhancing their day-to-day work and capacity for more sustainable fisheries. This contribution highlights the need to move through more radical participatory research and propose a set of recommendations and questions for improving ethics in research practices on the development of sustainable fisheries.

Julie Lassalle, Elena Mengo*, Tabatha Thiébaut-Rizzoni, Laurent Guillet, Peter Randall*, Laurence Hegron, Solveig Larsonneur and Adil Bakir*

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