Training Course

Introduction to the Use of Risk Analysis in Aquaculture

Part 10: Risk Communication

“Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants...”

Louis D. Brandeis (1856-1941)

Risk CommunicationIs the process of explaining risk.Aims to inform people that are “outside” of

the formal risk analysis process, so that they can understand the risk analysis & provide information to the process.

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The Risk Analysis Framework

HAZARDIDEN TIFICATION

RISKASSESSM ENT

RISKM ANAGEM ENT

R I S K C O M M U N I C A T I O N

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Risk Communication is a process that starts during the preliminary activities and continues until the risk analysis is completed.

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RISK COMMUNICATIONThe purpose of risk communication is

to:Transmit information about the

ongoing process and ultimate results of a risk analysis to stakeholders and the general public.

Receive comments, suggestions and criticism on how the risk analysis is being conducted.

Bring stakeholders into the risk analysis process, giving them the feeling of “ownership” and agreement with the eventual conclusions.

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RISK COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

Communication strategies involve crafting a message appropriate to the case at hand and its effective delivery to target audiences.

Two sorts of message: general explanation of the risk

analysis process and Detailed information about the

planning and conduct of a specific risk analysis.

Risk CommunicationActivities to be accomplished by the

PRAT:Decide if risk communication is neededIdentify the stakeholdersDecide on the methods of stakeholder

communicationAssign a person responsible for coordinating

and planning communication activitiesDevelop a time schedule for actions to be

takenImplement the programme

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IDENTIFYING STAKEHOLDERSEach risk analysis will have a different set of

stakeholders.General categories include:

Other government agencies Importers/exporters/tradersAquaculturist groupsSports fishing groupsEnvironmental organizations (NGOs)ExpertsGeneral public

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Identifying Stakeholders

Example of potential stakeholders for an oyster pathogen risk analysis:Shellfish farmersShellfish harvesters (wild stocks)Importers/exportersEnvironmentalists/conservationists (NGOs)Government agencies

Biosecurity Environmental protection Legal Enforcement

Competent authority of exporting countryScientific community (experts)General public 9

Risk Communication Methods

A risk communication process and schedule should be established at the start of the Risk AnalysisExamples:

Stakeholder lists Stakeholder meetings Media (newspaper, radio, television) E-mail, postal mailings Telephone Websites

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Risk Communication is a Two Way Street

Government provides information to stakeholders Purpose Process Progress (via regular updates) Conclusions and Results Implications and Impacts

Involves them throughout the processGets feed back and criticismsEnsures transparency

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The Risk Analysis Report Circulation of the draft

risk analysis report to stakeholders for comment is a key risk communication activity.

Risk CommunicationIn controversial risk analyses, some

stakeholders will always be unhappy with the outcomes.

However, with transparency of process, sound science and good risk communication they should understand how and why a decision was reached.

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Key PointsRisk communication is a essential part of

public- sector risk analyses Risk communication is an interactive

process between risk analysts and stakeholders.

It is a continuous process that is begun early in planning a risk analysis and which continues through until decisions are implemented via legislation.

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