Alternative Conservation Paradigms and Ecological Knowledge of Small-Scale Artisanal Fishers in a Changing Marine Scenario in Argentina

Abstract

We studied conservation paradigms of small-scale artisanal fishers and other actors involved in the conservation of the Bahía Blanca Estuary (BBE)-a Southwestern Atlantic estuary under anthropogenic pressures (conservationists, NGOs, individuals in the private sector and the port consortium). We focused on the relationship between fishers and non-human entities (e.g., animals, tides, lunar cycles, etc.) from alternative conservation paradigms according to Pálsson's schema (orientalism, paternalism, communalism). We also explored the ecological knowledge of fisher communities to identify possible conservation strategies. Using an ethnographic approach, we identified communalism as the dominant paradigm within the fisher communities as opposed to the paternalistic and orientalist approaches of conservationists and industry employees in the BBE. Fishers demonstrated a broad knowledge on the effects of climate change on fish stocks and pollution on ocean environments and biota, which gillnets avoid catching juveniles and threatened species, and landscape changes over the long-term period, among others areas that could be useful for conservation of these changing coastal ecosystems. We conclude that understanding local perspectives and practices is essential for a democratic exchange among different bodies of knowledge to conserve marine ecosystems.

Fishermen’s Knowledge of Astronomical Phenomena in Fishery Activities: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Consequently, fishermen must know the location of certain fish species as it ensures that the correct technique is used (Deepananda et al, 2016). Some fishing techniques affect the ecosystem, so immature marine life can be avoided (Truchet et al, 2022). For example, the mesh net of silk catches marine species of different dimensions and at different stages of development (Bezerra et al, 2012).…”

Fishers’ knowledge on a large floodplain river in South America. Contributions for sustainable management of inland fisheries

“…FEK comprises experimental and experience based knowledge, of ecosystems and fisheries and changes in dynamics of fisheries -spatial and temporal issues related to SSF, on the status of population, exploitation and trends of resources-, fishing practices, communities, and the livelihoods (Bevilacqua et al 2016 ; Lima et al 2017 ; Castillo et al 2018 ). This proved to be useful for the definition of fishing grounds, fish habitats, to design conservation strategies for vulnerable species, and mitigating environmental conflicts (Castello et al 2009 ; Truchet and Noceti 2021 ; Truchet et al 2022 ). We considered Ecological epistemology (EE), which refers to the repositioning of human beings in the symmetrical network of mutually determined relations.…”

“…In general, is observed low social status of SSF and widespread poverty within communities (Drammeh 2000 ), because of restricted access to adequate nutrition, clean water, healthcare, education (Table S1), housing, and other rights and services required to sustain livelihoods (Misturelli and Heffeman 2010 ). In addition, the low education level registered would be covertly related with child-labour, often overlooked in assessments of employment, given the informal and re‐mote nature of inland fisheries (Noceti 2017b ; Funge‐Smith and Bennett 2019 ; Truchet et al 2022 ).…”

“…S. brasiliensis ). This shows the importance needs to incorporate FEK in fishing research and management, since allows identified changes in fish stock due anthropic activities, arts of fishing used, the increase of non-native species, thereby incorporating crucial knowledge of fish ecobiology (Leite and Gasalla 2013 ; Fischer et al 2015 ; Bevilacqua et al 2016 ; Lima et al 2017 ; Castillo et al 2018 ; Truchet and Noceti 2021 ; Truchet et al 2022 ).…”

Environmental Conflicts and Social Innovation on the Balearic Islands (Spain)

“…For example, the most recent studies address socio-environmental conflicts from alternative conservation paradigms [23] and in relation to the Blue Justice notion [24]. They also deal with the implications of these conflicts within the broad debate between circular economy and degrowth [5] or environmental conflicts as sustainability forces [18,25].…”