Identifying best practice to integrate fisher’s experiential knowledge into marine science and management

Abstract

Abstract The importance of the integration of fishers’ experiential knowledge (FEXK) into marine science is increasingly recognized. However, current integration attempts often focus on quantitative observational datasets, missing the unique information acquired by fishers throughout their lifetimes. Despite the potential value of FEXK, best practices around its collection, use, and integration into science, management, and policy have not been fully identified. To address such knowledge gaps, a dedicated session was organized at the 2022 ICES annual science conference, with the aim to build a greater understanding of how FEXK is collected and utilized. Based on presentations and resultant discussions, four best practices were identified: (i) Organize processes for mutual learning about different scientific methodologies. (ii) Acknowledge fishers as expert data providers. (iii) Set up transparent, circular processes with all stakeholders. (iv) Be aware of equity issues around data and fisher participation. These best practices, while being closely connected to ethical principles for participatory research, may just be a starting point in ensuring better integration of FEXK into science and management. However, these outputs should be seen as an important contribution to the ongoing debate about how best to achieve this, reflecting the views of many scientists currently working in this field.