Thesis outline Introduction Master Thesis Floor Bokkes November 2013
4 1.
What information was used to formulate the objectives of the BSC FIP and why was this specific information used?
This sub-question gives insight in what the BSC FIP is. This includes at first which actors are involved as BSC FIP participants and why, but also why the BSC FIP was established and what guidelines for
implementing a FIP were followed. The long-term and short-term objectives and indicators for improvement will be analysed by means of the concept of Continuous Improvement. The definition
of two of the short-term objectives or measures will be studied in detail in order to find out what information is used to define the FIP measures. The study of the two specific measures will be
continued in the second sub-question, but then on the local scale actors within the fishery. 2.
What is the effect of the BSC FIP on the practices of actors in the crab value chain and how can this be explained by the flow of information and the actors’ perceptions on
these measures? This sub-question will provide insight in the effectiveness of the BSC FIP measures. First the practices
of actors will be indicated and compared with the practices before the start of the FIP. It provides insights to whether the BSC FIP led to changes in the practices of actors in the value chain and the
extent to which the practices changed as a result. The explanation for this will be sought in the flow of information and the perception of differing actors along the value chain. At first, the awareness of
chain actors about the BSC FIP measures will be analysed. If the actors are not aware of the measures the communication of the FIP measures through the value chain was not effective. This can be an
indication that perception differences or existing practices hampered the communication. If it turns out the actors were aware of the measures the communication of the measures through the value
chain was effective. Then the perceptions on the measures will be explored. I assume that differing actors can have differing perceptions on a situation and on solutions for a problem. Since FIPs are
implemented through the value chain, different actors are confronted with the fisheries management and the perceptions should give insight in the way different actors interpret, appreciate
and evaluate the available information on the FIP. The actors’ perception on the measures will indicate how they appreciate the measures and can therefore reveal a possible explanation for their
practices.