IUCN Guidelines for gathering of fishers’ knowledge for policy development and applied use

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries provide food security, livelihoods and income to millions of people but their management still presents a challenge to managers and other stakeholders due to problems in gathering suitable information and its incorporation in fisheries policy. Fishers are a key source of knowledge for assessment of both extractive capacity and value in small-scale fisheries, in addition to providing a broad array of cultural knowledge. The increasing recognition of the value of incorporating traditional fishing knowledge in freshwater, riverine, lacustrine and coastal and marine fisheries management is now evident in international conventions and published literature. The purpose of these guidelines is to make it easier for users to recognise and include fishers’ knowledge as an important data stream in resource management. The report includes details on the breadth of knowledge that can be gathered, how it can be gathered, and how this information can be applied to support sustainable fisheries policy and broader applications in society. With case studies from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Pacific.

Drawing on local knowledge and attitudes for the conservation of critically endangered rhino rays in Goa, India

“…It is important that this knowledge is preserved and strengthened to prevent societal extinction. Fishers' LEK must be brought into the scientific mainstream and incorporated into policy and management, which can be done through various participatory approaches and frameworks (Cowie et al, 2020; Tengö et al, 2014).…”

“…In coastal ecosystems, the knowledge and perspectives of fishers are valuable sources of information on historical and current trends in threatened marine species, especially in developing countries with limited scientific data (Drew, 2005; Gupta et al, 2022; Haque et al, 2021). Local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers refers to the body of experiential knowledge including ecological, fishing practices, fishing communities, governance and markets, and their dynamic relationships, which is developed in a social–cultural and geographical context (Cowie et al, 2020). Alongside information on species, LEK systems provide insights for how and why social–ecological systems are governed, and for developing holistic solutions to resource management problems (Hazenbosch et al, 2022; Tengö et al, 2017).…”

“…Alongside information on species, LEK systems provide insights for how and why social–ecological systems are governed, and for developing holistic solutions to resource management problems (Hazenbosch et al, 2022; Tengö et al, 2017). LEK can help understand how threatened species exist within local culture, in terms of their uses and values, and reveal attitudes towards their conservation (Cowie et al, 2020; Grant et al, 2021). Therefore, it is important to bring LEK together with the scientific mainstream to develop more holistic and equitable management and conservation plans (Drew, 2005; Haque et al, 2021; Nirmale et al, 2004).…”

Joint Environmental Monitoring Programme at Two Mekong Mainstream Dams: The Don Sahong and Xayaburi Hydropower Projects

“…As a rule of thumb, local ecological knowledge can provide 70% of the information for 10% of the cost and time. This approach was subsequently taken up and promoted (Johannes et al, 2000;Rahman, 2000;Valbo-Jorgensen and Poulsen, 2000;Baird and Overton, 2001) and associated protocols were reviewed and refined (Haggan et al, 2003;2007;Garcia-Allut et al, 2003;Moller et al, 2004;Cowie et al, 2020).…”

A good practice guide for ethical and inclusive communications involving small-scale fisheries

“…Statements of and advocacy by the World Forum of Fisher Peoples, World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fishworkers and the IPC Working Group on Fisheries Proceedings from the Small-Scale Fisheries Open House event (1-8 June 2021) hosted by the Too Big To Ignore global research network Ethical and inclusive communication on small-scale fisheries webinar (19 May 2021) hosted by the Society for Marine Conservation Section IUCN Guidelines for gathering of fishers' knowledge for policy development and applied use 21 International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability: Strengthening the Science-Policy Nexus conference (18-21 November 2019) organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 3 New positive narratives on small-scale fisheries webinar (8 June 2021) organized by WorldFish and partners 20 Towards Resilient and Equitable Small-Scale Fisheries meeting (3-5 September 2019) organized by WorldFish in partnership with FAO and the Oak Foundation 22 Social contract developed and updated by the Locally-Managed Marine Area (LMMA) Network International over 20 years.…”