Scenario planning is a tool used by organizations to prepare for a future of uncertainty. From 2021 to 2023, several East Coast fishery management organizations collaborated in a scenario planning process involving several hundred stakeholders. The objective was to explore how fisheries and governance would have to change to prepare for an era of climate change. The results of that exercise are highlighted on the East Coast Climate Change Scenario Planning (ECSP) webpage.

The process was valuable for fishery managers – and it can be replicated by and for other stakeholder groups who want to explore how climate change (and other factors) might affect their future. This toolkit is designed to be used by any East Coast fishery stakeholder. It briefly summarizes the ECSP scenario work and offers suggestions for how other groups can use the material to have valuable conversations about the challenges of climate change.

• Scenario Planning Toolkit Presentation (PowerPoint) / (PDF)

• Download Scenario Planning Toolkit + Additional Resources (zip file)

Additional Toolkit Resources:

1. Scenario Planning Worksheets (PowerPoint) / (PDF)

2. Suggested Agendas for Scenario Discussions (PDF) / (Word)

3. Guidelines for Scenario Small Group Facilitators (PDF)

4. Language for Scenario Ground Rules and Session Expectations (PDF) / (Word)

5. Description of Alternative Scenario Creation Approaches (PDF)

6. Suggestions for Ongoing ‘Monitoring’ Conversations (PDF)