From Fish Movement to Knowledge Movement: Understanding and Improving Science Transfer Related to Acoustic Telemetry in the Laurentian Great Lakes

Biotelemetry has generated new knowledge with the potential to inform fisheries management. Yet, new information must be understood, and viewed as relevant by fisheries managers for it to be used in decision-making. I explore the Great Lakes fisheries network by conducting 50 interviews with fisheries professionals to identify knowledge transfer barriers, their awareness of the strengths and limitations of biotelemetry data, as well as their opinion on the role biotelemetry plays regarding fisheries management. Mixed opinions emerged regarding the peer-review process, data-sharing and integration of biotelemetry findings into management. There was uncertainty regarding the use of biotelemetry to reliably study ecosystems, its cost-effectiveness and biotelemetry's future role in assessments for the management of the fisheries. The largest barrier of integration of biotelemetry knowledge into management was characteristics of actors. I will discuss recommendations for telemetry scientists to help them advance the understanding and incorporation of biotelemetry science into decision-making.