IFM is a social science research and advisory centre working with fisheries management and coastal community development. In particular, IFM focuses on questions of governance within an ecosystem-based approach to marine management. IFM is specialised in cross-disciplinary collaboration and is frequently teaming up with institutions/colleagues from other disciplines in order to develop suitable solutions to the problems in question.

The basis for IFM’s work is the reciprocal relationship where advisory needs both guide and are informed by research and capacity building activities. IFM’s current research interests focus on fisheries co-management, the social aspects of the knowledge base for marine management, social impact assessments, and the regional perspective on coastal community development.  

• In the research area of fisheries co-management IFM focuses on two aspects: 1) governance and co-management, and 2) the knowledge base for co-management. In its studies of governance and co-management in relation to fisheries management systems IFM moves the concept of institutions beyond the classical institutional approaches in economics and political science to also including – to some extent along the lines of the so-called new institutionalisms - cultural and social structures acknowledging that institutions are dynamic and constantly changing. The other central aspect of fisheries co-management to which IFM seeks to respond is the development of a useful knowledge base for co-management. How can co-management institutions make the best use of knowledge as they seek to adapt to changing ecological, social and economic circumstances? In a cooperative management context, an appropriate balance must be found between experience-based and research-based knowledge. IFM explores new roles and procedures that both scientists and other knowledgable people can use to contribute to the knowledge base.

• Social impact assessments (SIA) are systematic appraisals conducted on the day-to-day quality of life of persons and communities. The goal of impact assessments is to bring about a more socio-culturally, economically, and ecologically sustainable and equitable environment.  

• Regional development activities in IFM focus on coastal community development. Survival in rural areas has required economic activities in order to diversify, both within fishery related activities and within sectors without direct linkages to the fisheries. For the fisheries and the communities hosting the fishing activities, the pressure for continued changes and development will not decrease the coming years. Innovation – development of new products, processes and ways of organising – is necessary for maintaining a viable sector and socially and economically sustainable communities.

IFM bases its work on three fundamental values: sustainability, democracy and efficiency. IFM staff have extensive experience in fisheries management, sector and master planning, policy formulation and institutional analysis encompassing issues concerning economics, political science, sociology, economic and development geography, and project administration. Research is undertaken for a broad range of clients including public authorities, institutions and organisations in both developed and developing countries.

IFM is established in the Department of Development and Planning (part of the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine) at Aalborg University (AAU).