In collaboration with natural and social scientists, we are studying “knowledge mobilization theory” which is an emerging field in the social sciences that examines how individuals and organizations respond to new information. Individual and organizational responses to new knowledge are strongly influenced by 1) the legitimacy and credibility of the new information and its sources (e.g., is the new information from an expert or novice in a field?), 2) how new information fits in with established knowledge and practices (e.g., is the new information very different or similar to old knowledge?), and 3) the capacity of individuals and organizations to receive knowledge and act on it. We are investigating the processes involved in generating, transmitting, receiving, evaluating, managing, and implementing knowledge by interviewing and surveying salmon management systems (i.e., Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations, ENGOs, industry and recreational fisheries groups). A major goal of this research is to provide concrete recommendations to stakeholders on how results from capture and release science could be incorporated into management, and to identify barriers to this process.

Selected Publications

Young, N, Cooke, S.J., Hinch, S.G., DiGiovanni, C., Corriveau, M., Fortin, S., Nguyen, V.M., Solås, A.M. 2020. “Consulted to death”: personal stress as a major barrier to environmental co-management. Journal of Environmental Management. 254, 109820.

Nguyen, V.M., Young, N., Corriveau, M., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. 2019. What is ‘usable’ knowledge? Perceived barriers for integrating new knowledge into management of an iconic Canadian fishery. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 76(3): 463-474.

Young, N., Corriveau, M., Nguyen, V.M., Cooke, S.J, Hinch, S.G. 2018. Embracing disruptive new science? Biotelemetry meets co-management in Canada’s Fraser River. Fisheries 43(1): 51-60.

Watson, M.S., Cook, K.V., Young, N., Hinch, S.G. 2018. Perceptions and actions of commercial fishers in response to conservation measures in Canadian Pacific salmon fisheries. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 147(5): 906-918.

Patterson, D.A, S.J. Cooke, S.G. Hinch, K. Robinson, N. Young, A.P. Farrell, and K. Miller. 2016. A perspective on physiological studies supporting the provision of scientific advice for the management of Fraser River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Conservation Physiology 4(1): cow026 DOI 10.1093/conphys/cow02

Young, N., Corriveau, M., Nguyen, V.M., Cooke, S.J, Hinch, S.G. 2016. How do potential knowledge users perceive and evaluate new claims about a contested resource? The problem of different expectations in knowledge exchange and mobilization. Journal of Environmental Management 184(2):380-388.

Young, N., Nguyen, V.M., Corriveau, M., Cooke, S.J., Hinch, S.G. (2016). Knowledge users’ perspectives and advice on how to improve knowledge exchange and mobilization in the case of a co-managed fishery. Environmental Science & Policy 66: 170-178.

Nguyen, V.M., Young, N., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2016) Getting past the blame game: Convergence and divergence in perceived threats to salmon resources among anglers and indigenous fishers in Canada’s lower Fraser River. Ambio 45:591-601.

Raby, G.D., Donaldson, M.R., Nguyen, V.M., Taylor, M.K., Sopinka, N.M., Cook, K.V., Patterson, D.A., Robichaud, D., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2014) Bycatch mortality of endangered coho salmon: impacts, solutions and aboriginal perspectives. Ecological Applications 24(7): 1803-1819.

Young, N., Gingras, I., Nguyen, V.M., Cooke, S.J., Hinch, S.G. Mobilizing new science into management practice: the challenge of biotelemetry for fisheries management, a case study of Canada’s Fraser River. (2014) Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 16:331-351.

Nguyen, V.M., Rudd, M.A., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2013) Recreational anglers’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours related to catch-and-release practices of Pacific salmon in British Columbia. Journal of Environmental Management 128: 852-865.

Nguyen, V.M., Raby, G.D., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2012) Aboriginal fisher perspectives on use of telemetry technology to study adult Pacific salmon. Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems 406, 08.

Nguyen, V.M., Rudd, M.A., Hinch, S.G., Cooke, S.J. (2012) Differences in information use and preferences among recreational salmon anglers: implications for management initiatives to promote responsible fishing. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 17: 248-256.

For other publications, please see our Publications page.