Liesbeth Bosschaert, postgraduate researcher, CDT SuMMeR: Cohort 2

Academically, my background is in English Literature & Linguistics (BA), Social & Cultural Anthropology (MSc), Diplomacy & International Relations (Adv MSc) and Peace & Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies (MA). I have worked in Belfast, Philippines, Cambodia, Belgium, and the UK, in Humanitarian Emergency Aid, Human Right’s policy making, R&D (Research & Development) in Peace Building efforts, Anti-Human Trafficking and currently run a sustainable catering company.

Conflict, trust, policy, creative approach, valuing lived experience through effective, evidence-based policy making, improving every day lived experiences. 

The blue economy is expected to double in value to USD 3 trillion by 2030, globally. Rapid expansion of diverse sectors (aquaculture, coastal tourism, shipping, mining, and offshore renewables) can displace or dispossess ‘traditional’ maritime sectors of the ocean resources they depend upon. In particular, (small-scale) fisheries are “subtly and overtly squeezed for geographic, political and economic space” with important implications for governance processes (e.g., trust, participation, and compliance) and outcomes (livelihoods, food security and sustainable management of resources). 

In the UK, there is rapid growth predicted in offshore renewables and aquaculture sectors alongside expanding conservation and protection of marine space through, for example, Marine Conservation Zones and Highly Protected Marine Areas all of which is escalating tensions within fisheries and marine governance.

This doctoral research responds to a desire by fisheries and marine managers and policymakers in the UK to re-set relationships with fisheries stakeholders and, in turn, improve levels of engagement and collaboration in policy development and implementation, particularly as impetus on nature recovery and net zero strengthens.