Fisheries can be characterized as a network of interactions between natural and social systems, and thus should be viewed as complex, dynamic systems. Due to the multiplicity of components and processes, the involvement of various disciplines is required to understand the inter-relationships within and between the systems, and more so to adequately address management issues that typically affect several elements in the systems. To be successful, multidisciplinary approaches require mutual understanding of the perspectives, concepts, vocabulary and methods held by various disciplines, and agreement on the objects to be studied in common. In that spirit, at framework is suggested whereby fisheries systems are decomposed into related sub-systems that can be recognized by both Social and Life Sciences. Some key concepts attached to cach module and to its interactions with the others are identified, and may be starting points for dialogue and common undertakings by various disciplines, with a view to improving our understanding of the dynamics of the whole system.
