Adaptive goose management beyond borders

Updated results since the previous report to the Research Council 1st October 2016, can be found in the list of result-indicators (publications, outreach) - in attachment. A mini-workshop has been conducted at Aarhus University in Denmark. The central theme was to clarify specific data needs for the final model exercises, data needed for scenarios of the various output of goose hunting arrangements in terms of harvested geese. A significant effort has been spent on gathering the access to hunting data (from Statistics Norway) in Nord-Trøndelag, data needed as a baseline for modelling. These are at present available, and as depersonalised data they fuel the models conducted for this region. Additionally, a significant amount of time has been spent on writing manuscripts for peer-review journals. The results in these are the same as summarised in the previous report.

In the GEESE BEYOND BORDERS we will use the newly implemented International Species Management Plan (ISMP) for pink-footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus as a framework for method and model developments in a multi-stakeholder and multi-governance system. The harvest rate of geese is a central issue in the plan, and hunting practices and organisation at different levels will be key elements. Central in our research project is the adaptive management concept, which means that the ISMPs various actions are conti nuously monitored and evaluated to enable adjustment according to predicted and observed outcomes. The present project will have a relational and contextual approach, focusing on knowledge-based management (including perspectives on citizen knowledge) roo ted in an adaptive governance framework. Hence, the involvement of stakeholders is essential in the project. Moreover, the development of agent-based models, predicting the outcomes of various regimes of regional organisation of hunting on the numbers of harvestable geese, provides a novel approach in European wildlife management. The creation of governance arenas for communication, feedback and iteractive learning fits well into the priorities of the call. Several interrelated work packages will produce knowledge from both Norway and Denmark, and in Norway cases from Nord-Trøndelag, central Norway, will be in focus. Research activity and processes initiated in two NRC-funded projects will be further developed, and especially regarding the adaptive charac ter of the projects there is an advantage of an established network of stakeholders and users enhancing the efficiency of the project. The outcome and deliverables will be constructive and have positive consequences for wildlife management both at a natio nal and international level.