Science Strategy
2022 – 2030
1.0 Introduction
This Strategy outlines a suite of high level Scientific Strategic Priorities for Loughs Agency to frame provision of all scientific work. The Strategy outlines key goals which will allow the Agency’s Science function to better design, deliver and communicate the Agency’s scientific services. The goals and subsequent objectives are outlined in broad terms so that they are applicable to the multidisciplinary scientific deliverables of the Agency’s remit.
Consistent with the strategic priorities, goals and objectives prescribed in this Strategy, Implementation Plans for Science and a Scientific Communications Plan will also be created. These will be annual documents subject to a continuous review framework.
1.1 Background
Loughs Agency is an agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC), established as one of the North South Implementation Bodies under the Good Friday/ Belfast Agreement, constituted under the North South Cooperation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British Irish Agreement Acts 1999 and 2002. The Board of Loughs Agency report to the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and our government sponsor departments - the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) in Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland.
The Strategic Direction for Loughs Agency is set out in “Strategic Direction for a New Decade 20202030”. The Science Strategy has been designed to deliver the overarching Strategic Direction.
The Agency’s Vision “Through partnership and science, protecting and developing our fisheries and natural resources”, is underpinned by the successful implementation and delivery of the Science Strategy. It is imperative that the Agency’s scientific work is appropriately designed, delivered and communicated in order for the Agency’s overarching Vision to be realised.
In order to appropriately inform the new Science Strategy a review of the existing scientific work programmes was carried out in 2021. This review considered the existing Science Function at Loughs Agency from both strategic and operational viewpoints. The review was undertaken in order to inform the direction of Science at Loughs Agency and to align the deliverables with the Agency’s Strategic Direction 2020-2030. In order for Loughs Agency to be best placed to deliver robust scientific evidence which can be used to underpin and inform enforcement and management decisions, there was a need to critically review the current scientific operational delivery and provide distinct targets to focus future delivery upon. The priorities, goals and objectives set out in this Strategy have all been derived from the outcomes of the Review of Science, providing clear provenance for the development of this functional and operational Strategy. 2
1.2 Purpose of Science at Loughs Agency
The overarching purpose of the scientific delivery at Loughs Agency is to provide robust scientific advice to inform and support the environmental management and policy development decisions made by the Agency. Scientific evidence gathered on appropriate spatial and temporal scales is required to support all environmental management decisions in order to ensure the conservation and sustainable exploitation of the fisheries and natural resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Loughs Agency uses scientific research to provide advice to inform management decisions on a number of environmental issues such as:
• Sustainable management and conservation of salmonid (and other fish) stocks in the Foyle and Carlingford catchments
• Sustainable management and conservation of the Lough Foyle native oyster stocks
• Development/preservation/ restoration of aquatic ecosystems in the Foyle and Carlingford catchments
Loughs Agency’s scientific delivery is driven by local, national and international environmental legislative bases and reporting requirements. Loughs Agency has an enduring role in facilitating both jurisdictions in implementing key decisions with regard to national and international agreements, EU Directives and Regulations.
Aspiration
Use an outcomes-focused approach to deliver robust scientific evidence to conserve and manage the fisheries and natural resources of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas from an ecosystem-based perspective.
2.1 Aspirations
In order to appropriately review Science at Loughs Agency, there was a need to clearly define an Aspiration for Science from this point forward. The Aspiration was derived from the Agency’s Vision as outlined in the Strategic Direction, and refined to set a clear direction for Science at Loughs Agency. Setting this direction was the first step in reviewing the existing work areas as it provides a distinct target to review current delivery against and to focus future delivery upon. All science delivered by Loughs Agency will be built around the Aspiration:
“Use
an outcomes-focused approach to deliver robust scientific evidence to conserve and manage the fisheries and natural resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas from an ecosystem-based perspective”
2.2 Principles
The Aspiration forms the foundation for the Science Strategy as a whole and is aligned to the Agency’s strategic Vision. In order to ensure that delivery is in line with the Vision, three “Principles” were identified. The Aspiration will be met by upholding the Principles for scientific delivery at the Agency: design, deliver and communicate.
2.3 Scientific Strategic Priorities
In order to dovetail with the Strategic Direction, the Science Strategy is based around six strategic priorities which were derived from the outcome of the Review of Science.
Outcomesfocused
Robust Research
EvidenceBased Management
Strategic Priorities
for Science at Loughs Agency
EcosystemsBased
Collaborative Working
Transparent Communication
Robust Research
All Science delivered by the Agency must be clearly defined, measurable and replicable in order to best derive evidence from raw data.
Evidence-Based Management
Evidence-based management required four types of evidence to be considered in all decision-making processes; Scientific Literature, Practitioner, Organisational and Stakeholder. It is essential that the empirical studies undertaken by the Science Section at the Agency are of the highest possible quality in order to underpin the environmental management decisions which the Agency makes.
Transparent Communication
Appropriate dissemination of the work of the Science Function to a range of stakeholders from different demographics is essential in order to create awareness and improve transparency. Communication of robust scientific evidence in the most suitable formats will promote understanding, inform public opinion, promote appreciation of the subject area and provide transparent evidence bases for management decisions. Improved communication can be achieved through innovation and collaboration.
Collaborative Working
Collaborative working is an essential part of delivery of Science at Loughs Agency. Collaboration can be both internal and external and will lead to greater access to knowledge, shared expertise, greater accountability and increased transparency.
Ecosystem-Based
All Science at the Agency must consider all aspects of the ecosystem from a holistic viewpoint in order to deliver a system of integrated management of land, water, flora and fauna which promotes conservation and provides evidence bases for sustainable anthropogenic use. The ecosystem-based approach recognises that humans are an integral part of the ecosystem.
Outcomes-Focused
Science at the Agency must be designed to ensure focus on achieving measureable results. All scientific deliverables must clarify what we expect to achieve, how we expect to achieve it and how we will measure success. This approach allows progress to be tracked and improve planning and implementation.
2.4 Goals
The Strategic Priorities have been coalesced into four clearly defined and achievable Goals – each with clear Objectives, Actions and Outcomes.
Goal 1: Deliver robust scientific research which allows for environmental management using an evidence-based approach
Goal 2: Communicate scientific research in a transparent manner to all stakeholders
Goal 3: Approach all scientific research from an ecosystem-based perspective
Goal 4: Ensure that all Science is delivered with an outcomes-focused approach
3.0 Strategic Goals based on Scientific Strategic Priorities
Goal 1:
Deliver robust scientific research which allows for environmental management using an evidence-based approach
The Science Function will be cross-cutting across all four Directorates and will be used as a mechanism to underpin all of the Agency’s environmental management and decision-making processes through effective evidence-based approaches.
Goal 1 outlines the operational mechanisms used by Loughs Agency to deliver, evaluate and formally quantify its scientific responsibilities.
Outcomes of Goal 1:
• To design a suite of high quality scientific research which can be used to effectively inform the Agency’s environmental management and decision-making processes.
• To create Scientific Implementation Plans annually which includes clear Key Performance Indicators and a review structure.
Objective 1.1
Ensure that science is delivered in a manner that is measurable, well designed, well conducted, well reported and well utilised.
• Review and redesign work programmes
• Establish Annual Implementation Plans
• Define project management and project progression in all work areas
Objective 1.2
Promote scientific excellence through collaboration and review.
• Work across all Directorates to deliver unified approaches
• Seek verification and validation from peers in the scientific community
• Stay abreast of emerging threats, themes and novel research approaches
• Promote data and information sharing through collaborative research
Objective 1.3
Be accountable for scientific information generated.
• Ensure information is of the highest quality and is compatible with contemporary scientific theory
• Be in a position to defend information generated
Objective 1.4
Inform Agency’s environmental management and decision-making processes.
• Deliver unbiased scientific information to policy/decisionmakers
• Deliver scientific research in a timely fashion, in line with environmental management requirements
Goal 2:
Communicate scientific research in a transparent manner to all stakeholders
Appropriate dissemination of scientific research to a range of stakeholders from different demographics is essential in order to create awareness and improve transparency. Communication of robust scientific evidence in the most suitable formats will promote understanding, inform public opinion, promote appreciation of the subject area and provide transparent evidence bases for management decisions. Improved communication can be achieved through innovation and collaboration.
Goal 2 defines the mechanisms which Loughs Agency will use to appropriately disseminate the outcomes of scientific research undertaken by Loughs Agency. This goal also aims to improve stakeholder engagement and foster opportunities for collaboration.
Outcomes of Goal 2:
• To have designed and implemented a Communications Plan for Science which disseminates scientific information in appropriate formats to a range of stakeholders.
• To have developed mechanisms to stimulate and encourage collaboration with the wider scientific community which will keep Loughs Agency at the forefront of fisheries science.
Objective 2.1
Enhance the visibility of the work of the Agency’s Science Function in order to adequately inform and educate stakeholders and provide transparency.
• Provide mechanisms for public accessibility to information
• Utilise mainstream communication platforms
• Clearly demonstrate scientific evidence used to inform management decisions
Objective 2.2
Improve dissemination of results and outcomes to three main groups where appropriate and in the most accessible format (Internally / Wider Stakeholders / Scientific Community).
• Create an annual Science Communications Plan
• Redesign reporting structure to ensure reports are accessible to a wider range of stakeholders
• Work towards peer reviewed publication and author contributions where possible
• Encourage participation in relevant conferences, working groups and institutions
Objective 2.3
Expand and develop opportunities for scientific collaboration in order to strategically build our national and international profile.
• Continuous horizon scanning for funding and partnership opportunities outside of core delivery
• Seek opportunities to contribute to research being carried out by other organisations / academics / institutions
• Establish a diverse Scientific Advisory Panel to peer review the Science delivered by the Agency and provide recommendations
Goal 3:
Approach all scientific research from an ecosystem-based perspective
The adoption of an “ecosystem-based approach” not only allows for a more holistic view of the Foyle and Carlingford catchments but also includes anthropogenic components to the system and aligns the Agency’s scientific work with existing and emerging drivers in the sector as a whole such as Climate Change and Just Transition.
Goal 3 provides a framework for the approach of all science at Loughs Agency. Adopting an ecosystem-based approach is about allowing the Agency to move away from simply looking at component parts and towards consideration of the ecosystem as the sum of all of its parts. Science at the Agency must consider all aspects of the ecosystem from a holistic viewpoint in order to deliver a system of integrated management of land, water, flora and fauna which promotes conservation and provides evidence bases for sustainable anthropogenic use. The ecosystem-based approach recognises that humans are an integral part of the ecosystem.
Outcomes of Goal 3:
• To develop mechanisms to link work areas and consider results from an ecosystem perspective in order to gain a clearer understanding of emerging threats and pressures and to implement appropriate mitigation measures
• Investigate potential for expansion of the delivery areas of Science at Loughs Agency to include wider ecosystem issues and environmental concerns
• To audit existing activity and vulnerability and create a Climate Action Plan for the Agency which demonstrates compliance with statutory responsibilities and promotes the work of the Agency as an example of excellence in the context of Climate Action
Objective 3.1
Grow potential areas for research by moving away from concentrating solely on core species of responsibility as component parts of the ecosystem and recognising the value in consideration of the ecosystem as the sum of all of its parts.
• Create a methodology to collate the datasets from the various scientific work programmes into a coherent format that can be used to compare data in tandem
• Develop working groups to address cross-cutting themes
Objective 3.2
Promote innovative and novel research by investigating research areas which have the potential to affect the core responsibility species and habitats.
• Investigate novel and innovative areas of research which are linked to the Agency’s core responsibilities
• Develop novel and innovative research areas which promote understanding of wider ecosystem pressures outside of the Foyle and Carlingford areas particularly in the context of highly mobile species
Objective 3.3
Direct focus towards intrinsic environmental value before commercial or recreational value of ecosystem.
• Ensure that scientific evidence is first and foremost focused on protection and conservation of species and habitats
• Promote sustainable practices and ensure that all of the Agency’s activities are delivered with environmental conservation as a key priority
Objective 3.4
Improve the relevance of the Agency in the scientific community by developing work areas which address cross-cutting contemporary themes and emerging drivers in the sector.
• Ensure the Agency fulfils its statutory requirements on wider environmental issues
Goal 4:
Ensure that all Science is delivered with an outcomes-focused approach
Adopting an outcomes-focused approach means orienting Science at Loughs Agency to achieve outcomes. This will help the Agency prove to stakeholders that what we are doing is achieving measurable results.
Goal 4 is about how Loughs Agency utilises its scientific delivery. This goal sets objectives which allows for science at Loughs Agency to deliver results which can be used to provide bespoke, robust scientific advice to inform and support the environmental management and policy development decisions made by the Agency.
Outcomes of Goal 4:
• To create a Programme of Measures for Science at the Agency which sets all science delivered by the Agency in context
• To design and implement a clear Data Management and Data Sharing system which will improve how data generated by the Agency is utilised
• To adequately resource Science at the Agency to deliver robust, multidisciplinary research
Objective 4.1
Define appropriate processes for utilising and applying results of work delivered in order to justify delivery in wider contexts.
• Define application of research at project design stage
• Ensure that research delivered aligns to the wider strategic priorities of the Agency
• Create a framework to assess the applicability of projects
• Build in legacy work to all standalone projects
• Review data management and data sharing processes and policies
• Create fit for purpose data management and data sharing processes and policies
• Archive and curate existing long-term data series and ensure accessibility for posterity
Objective 4.2
Evaluate delivery in order to identify knowledge gaps and progress research including potential for innovation.
• Strive to plug knowledge gaps as they appear
• Ensure considered evaluation processes are applied to all research
• Build in “areas for future research” into all project evaluations
Objective 4.3
Promote the use of innovative techniques which will improve the quality and applicability of Science at the Agency.
• Encourage Scientific staff to horizon scan and literature review in order to stay up to speed with novel and innovative techniques
• Recognise the importance of investment in cutting-edge technology that will improve the quality of scientific research undertaken by the Agency
Objective 4.4
Support expertise by recognising the specific skill sets of staff and empowering staff to effectually deliver on their responsibilities.
• Ensure staff are appropriately trained and skilled to deliver on projects so as to ensure the best possible outcomes from research
• Appropriately resource the Science Section to deliver multidisciplinary Science
Conclusions
Once implemented, this Strategy will align the Science Function with Loughs Agency’s Strategic Direction 2020-2030. This Strategy will allow the Science Function to be cross-cutting across all four Directorates and to be used as a mechanism to underpin all of the Agency’s decision-making processes through effective evidence-based approaches.
