Indigenous Systems of Management for Culturally and Ecologically Resilient Pacific Salmon (Oncorhynchusspp.) Fisheries

Abstract

Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are at the center of social–ecological systems that have supported Indigenous peoples around the North Pacific Rim since time immemorial. Through generations of interdependence with salmon, Indigenous Peoples developed sophisticated systems of management involving cultural and spiritual beliefs, and stewardship practices. Colonization radically altered these social–ecological systems, disrupting Indigenous management, consolidating authority within colonial governments, and moving most harvest into mixed-stock fisheries. We review Indigenous management of salmon, including selective fishing technologies, harvest practices, and governance grounded in multigenerational place-based knowledge. These systems and practices showcase pathways for sustained productivity and resilience in contemporary salmon fisheries. Contrasting Indigenous systems with contemporary management, we document vulnerabilities of colonial governance and harvest management that have contributed to declining salmon fisheries in many locations. We suggest that revitalizing traditional systems of salmon management can improve prospects for sustainable fisheries and healthy fishing communities and identify opportunities for their resurgence.

Conservation risks and portfolio effects in mixed‐stock fisheries

“…For example, the natural diversity in the fleet such as in terms of gear types or target system can enable fishers to shift from one fishery to another avoid collapse of fishing economies (Burgess, 2014; Cline et al., 2017). Alternatively, management control will also presumably be higher in more localized fisheries, in line with recent suggestions to shift towards terminal fisheries for salmon that can reduce mixed‐stock fishing risks but may come at a cost of decreased fish quality and necessitate transfer of access (Atlas et al., 2021; Gayeski et al., 2018). Second, fisheries regulations can improve harvest control.…”

The Importance of Alaska for Climate Stabilization, Resilience, and Biodiversity Conservation

“…In particular, collaboration with Alaska's Indigenous communities, tribes, and landowners is necessary to develop an effective and socially just approach. Worldwide, there is a growing recognition that ecological knowledge and stewardship practices of Indigenous peoples can offer pathways for conservation and resources management that is not only effective but also socially just (Atlas et al, 2020). A stewardship approach that acknowledges the value of human-environment relationships in fostering ecosystem integrity and human well-being provides a framework for such collaboration (Chapin et al, 2015).…”

Local Values and Data Empower Culturally Guided Ecosystem‐Based Fisheries Management of the Wuikinuxv Bear–Salmon–Human System

“…The increasing relevance of locally derived data and decentralized Indigenous governance (and the value systems they draw upon) create conditions under which our approach is particularly well suited (Artelle et al 2018;Atlas et al 2021). Specifically, data collected by the Wuikinuxv Nation and other coastal First Nations fill important gaps created by decreased capacity of centralized agencies (e.g., DFO or the Province of British Columbia) to monitor and manage fish and wildlife populations over large regions (Price et al 2008(Price et al , 2017Loring 2013).…”

“…We also note that from the perspective of many Indigenous Nations, authority to govern territories was ECOSYSTEM-BASED MANAGEMENT OF THE WUIKINUXV SYSTEM never relinquished. Whereas federal agencies responsible for the management of salmon and other species are increasingly overextended (Marshall et al 2017;Price et al 2017), the potential for locally driven monitoring and governance of salmon by Indigenous governments-in this case supported by federal implementation of the Wild Salmon Policy (DFO 2005) and the Fisheries Act (2019)creates a promising opportunity for management that can incorporate local values, governance, and ecosystem-based approaches (Atlas et al 2021).…”