October 3, 2014 — A review of over 500 research outputs analysing fishers’ knowledge shows that their experience is not regularly being given due consideration by fisheries scientists. This is despite a growing number of researchers believing that referencing fisher experience might help them to facilitate improved ecological and socio-economic outcomes for marine and freshwater fisheries.
For nearly a century, amateur and professional researchers with experience in ethnography, applied social science, and fisheries biology have conducted research with commercial and artisanal fishers from Canada to Kiribati in order to understand how their knowledge of marine ecosystems and fishery operations could supplement or complement the work of practicing fisheries scientists.
These researchers have disseminated what they consider to be the important knowledge acquired by fishers on the status of fish stocks and marine habitats – including fisher-generated ideas for ensuring fishery sustainability – in books, at conferences, and via peer-reviewed academic journals.
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Journal of Marine Science