Knowing in context: An exploration of the interface of marine harvesters' local ecological knowledge with ecosystem approaches to management

Marine resource crises have initiated a search for alternative approaches to resource assessment and management that has culminated in a global focus on ecosystem approaches to management (EAM). Here, the ecosystem extends to humans as drivers and recipients of ecosystem change. More specifically, a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine policy 2013-03, Vol.38, p.277-286
Main Authors: Bundy, Alida, Davis, Anthony
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological effects
Coastal areas
EBSA
Ecological analysis
Ecological effects
Ecological monitoring
Ecology
Ecosystem approach to management
Ecosystems
Fisheries
Fishery management
Harvesters
Local ecological knowledge
Marine
Marine resources
Policies
Resource management
Voice
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Summary:Marine resource crises have initiated a search for alternative approaches to resource assessment and management that has culminated in a global focus on ecosystem approaches to management (EAM). Here, the ecosystem extends to humans as drivers and recipients of ecosystem change. More specifically, attention is being paid to identifying specific qualities of local resource users' experiences and knowledge that might productively inform resource management, while also providing local users with substantial “voice” in shaping new management policies and practices. Here an evaluation is provided of the extent to which local ecological knowledge (LEK) can provide advice for an ecosystem approach to inshore coastal management, specifically, the identification of ecologically and biologically significant areas, based on the results of two comprehensive studies of coastal Nova Scotian commercial harvesters' local ecological knowledge. While spatially explicit, local ecological knowledge displays strengths and limitations that must be explicated for it to prove useful for strengthening “voice” and providing EAM inputs. ► Guidelines for definition of EBSAs include the use of “experiential knowledge”. ► The contributions that fish harvester local ecological knowledge can make to EAM is explored. ► Sceptical enquiry expressed through well-designed, inclusive research process is the only means to include LEK and empower local community voice. ► LEK observations indicate that there are more similarities between areas than differences and intersect directly with only one EBSA criterion, aggregation. ► Do the EBSA criteria enable the best use of LEK?
ISSN:0308-597X
1872-9460
DOI:10.1016/j.marpol.2012.06.003