Can Local Knowledge of Small-Scale Fishers Be Used to Monitor and Assess Changes in Marine Ecosystems in a European Context?

Abstract

Significance StatementIn the last decades, many coastal areas have observed dramatic changes in marine ecosystems, due to anthropogenic and environmental alterations. The general absence of long-term data sets in the marine environment and, more specifically, on benthic and demersal communities represents a severe issue for management and conservation. We propose to incorporate the small-scale fishers’ knowledge and science for better policy recommendations, both in terms of fisheries optimization and resource conservation. Based on two different cases of study with diverse ecosystems, we explore the combination of quantitative and qualitative tools, and participative techniques used to incorporate fishers’ local ecological knowledge. The results highlight fishers’ capacity to identify coastal and marine landscapes resources and changes, reinforcing and complementing the scientific assessment.

Assessing the importance of kelp forests for small-scale fisheries under a global change scenario

“…This could be attributed to the presence of other habitat-forming species that could be playing the role of the Laminaria spp. in this region (Piñeiro-Corbeira et al, 2022), such as the seasonal species S. polyschides and/or Cystoseira sensu lato. According to recent studies, these species have increased their frequency of occurrence in this region in parallel to the loss of Laminaria spp.…”

“…Despite the importance of kelp forests for coastal ecosystems and the communities that live from their resources, only a few studies have been carried out on the ecology of kelp forests in NW Spain as well as on their social, economic, and cultural importance (Barrientos et al, 2022a;Barrientos et al, 2022b;Piñeiro-Corbeira, et al, 2022). However, information on SSFs and their catches is not easily available , which makes collaborative activities essential for fisheries research and management.…”

“…After that, marine products are distributed, thanks to large fish processors, local fish merchants, and retail traders, until they reach the local marketplace and supermarkets and restaurateurs. Seaweeds themselves also have a relevant economic value, being the kelp-harvesting sector that has grown in recent decades (Piñeiro-Corbeira et al, 2022). In fact, in Galicia, four species are harvested, processed, and distributed by national and international retailers.…”

Cultural Seascapes in the ‘Sea of Calms’ and La Restinga Coast

“…Studies from the University of La Laguna showed the area has recovered (Lazzari 2015;Mendoza et al 2020), and commercial fishers agree. Between 2013 and 2014, fishers came back to their main traditional small-scale fisheries and fishing grounds (Piñeiro-Corbeira et al 2022). Also, marine tourism activity in the area entirely recovered (Fig.…”