Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) Mental Models for Lobster Fishery Agent Based Model (ABM)

NSF NNA All Hands Meeting Update 11/21/2024

Jay Kim | Kanae Tokunaga

NNA Project Pathway

Lobster Fishery Simulation

Lobster CFD Original

Lobster Fishery Decision Making

Complex feedback of decision making and human behavior that manifests as fishing effort

Scaled up to # active vessels, per region, per month, over years

Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM)

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• participatory learning and mapping method
• Semi-quantitative metrics from qualitative variables
• Structured or open ended group discussion and collective learning

Mental Models of lobster fisher decision making concerning lobster fishing

“What are the important factors (variables) that influence the decisions you make when you go fishing (fishing behavior)?”

“What changes (in self or environment) need to happen in order for you to change your behavior (make different decisions)?”

• Daily fishing decision on the water
• Long term business strategies
• Priorities and trade-offs
• Key variables and points of change

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Focus Group and Individual Interviews

Semi-structured, using Mental Modeler

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• NNA All Hands; Nov 21, 2024; Portland, ME, USA
• Practice Focus Group
• Lobster Town Meeting; Jan 28, 2025; Bar Harbor, ME, USA

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Engagement during

• CLRN Annual Meeting; Dec 18, 2024; Moncton, NB, CA
• Maine Fishermen’s Forum; Feb 28, 2025; Rockland, ME, USA

NNA All Hands Practice Focus Group

Lobster ABM Framework (preliminary)

Follow-up Industry Survey

• For parameterization of variables
• Direction and scale of change in behavior
• Weights of variables
• Capture larger patterns of behavior in industry
• Broad survey - rely on network partners
• ALI
• CLRN
• Research meetings, industry meetings, public gatherings
• Opportunities to build network and buy-in from industry
• Industry participation in research

Project Timeline

Concept Summary

jkim@gmri.org | jaeheon.kim@maine.edu | ktokunaga@gmri.org