Evaluating ecosystem impacts of data-limited artisanal fisheries through ecosystem modelling and traditional fisher knowledge

Abstract

Ecosystem approaches to fisheries management (EAF) are increasingly relevant for intergovernmental fisheries policies, national management plans, and seafood certification guidelines. To aid in integration of EAF in tropical artisanal fisheries, this study evaluates the potential ecosystem impacts of four distinct fisheries (kelp forest, sandy shore, pelagic, and reef ecosystems) in Mexico, using quantitative trophic models and a comparable network developed using fishers’ traditional knowledge. Notably, the fishers’ model was actually more complex than science-based models and could be a highly useful baseline for subsequent collaborative efforts for ecosystembased management. At current fishing levels, these fisheries are not expected to have significant ecosystem impacts, though we identify species that could be potentially impacted if fishing effort were to considerably increase and that should be monitored. Explicitly considering ecological interactions—whether or not this can be fully integrated into reference points—in co-managed fisheries can help prioritize monitoring and management measures, supporting ecologically sustainable fisheries and the social and economic objectives of artisanal fishers.