For four immersive days, eighteen international natural scientists from various disciplines and backgrounds came together in The Hague, Netherlands, to take part in an
ICES training course on Social Science for Natural Scientists. Led by Marloes Kraan and Nathalie Steins, this hands-on course was designed to teach social science methods through direct experience, while also demonstrating that social science is much more than just a set of tools—it’s a way of understanding the world.
Why social science?
The training aimed to show participants how integrating social science into their research can enhance collaboration with stakeholders, improve data collection, and bring deeper insights into human dimensions of fisheries research. By engaging in real-world fieldwork, the scientists experienced both the challenges and the rewards of social research firsthand.
Learning by doing
The first three days of the course covered key social science concepts, various data collection methods, research ethics, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Participants didn’t just listen—they practiced these techniques, gaining confidence in using them in their own research.
A morning at the fish auction
The final day took the group into the field for a real-world research experience in Scheveningen, a historic Dutch fishing port. The day began bright and early—6:15 AM—at the local fish auction, where they met Willem Ment den Heijer, descendant from a long line of fishers. Willem gave an insider’s tour of the auction, where the group observed the sorting and grading of the week’s catch.
Participants saw a variety of fish species brought in by demersal vessels and had the opportunity to observe different types of fishing vessels at the quayside , from small-scale gillnetters to large beam trawlers and shrimp vessels.
Willem then led the participants to the marina, where they stepped aboard an old herring drift netter, now transformed into a museum ship. There, they met former crew members who shared stories of the past, offering a glimpse into the heritage of Scheveningen’s fishing community. Willem himself captivated the group with tales of his family’s fishing legacy and the evolving identity of this coastal town.
Putting training into practice
Armed with their new skills, the participants split into small groups to conduct a 2.5-hour rapid appraisal study. Their focus? Exploring fishing as part of Scheveningen’s cultural identity. Each group had prepared their own research plan, engaging with locals to gather insights. In the afternoon, they presented their findings, the methods they used and a reflection on how it was to use social science methods.
Reflections on a transformative experience
By the end of the training, the natural scientists left with more than just new methodologies—they carried a greater appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of social perspectives in their research. Engaging directly with people, understanding their lived experiences, and seeing the real-world impact of fisheries beyond the data reinforced the value of integrating social science into natural science research.
As participants departed, it was clear: science is richer when it bridges disciplines, and real understanding comes from stepping out into the field, listening, and learning from those who live the reality we study.
