TABLE 3.

Relationship between Research Protocol of Scientists and Final Implementation Because of Stakeholder Collaboration.

Initial Scientist’s Plan	Modified Plan
Refine target species	Fishers and fisher’s associations added species that they enjoyed eating or catching. Fishing associations suggested collecting stripped bass even though data on mercury levels are available. Marina owners suggested species their clientele preferred.
Refine sampling methods	Stakeholders suggested a range of locations for sampling, including the main regions they fished specifically for shark and tuna, as well as the locations of major tournaments. Marina owners suggested sampling near their marina, and also provided some samples. NJDEP and others suggested also collecting fish below the legal catch limit to examine influence of size on mercury levels; NJDEP allowed sampling on their trawls. Fishers and fishing associations suggested we solicit samples from fishers themselves and asked to be provided protocols and contact numbers
Stakeholder meetings	Fishing associations suggested meetings with their groups during the research (as well as at the end), and asked that we write articles for their newsletters. Individual fishers contacted us during the research..
Chemical analysis	Fishers and associations suggested the analysis of small samples to provide an indication of mercury levels for fish species caught by specific groups or in specific locations (e.g. ling, porgy)
Data analysis and reports	Fishing associations requested meetings to discuss results, and articles for newsletters.