Freshwater fisheries monitoring in northern ecosystems using Indigenous ecological knowledge, genomics, and life history: Insights for community decision-making

Abstract

Natural resources in northern regions are often data-limited because they are difficult and expensive to access. Indigenous ecological knowledge (IEK) can provide information similar to, different from, or complementary to Western scientific data (WSD). We evaluated the general hypothesis that congruence in outcomes of IEK and WSD for population monitoring parameters is determined by temporal and spatial scale of the knowledge type. Parameters included population structure, degree of philopatry, morphological variation (and conservation status for one species), and genomics was a key Western scientific method. We evaluated this hypothesis in three subsistence and recreational fisheries (walleye, lake trout, and northern pike) in Mistassini Lake, Quebec, Canada. Concordance of outcomes was varied. IEK provided richer information on the biology, distribution, and morphological variation observable with the eyes. However, IEK cannot “see” into the genome, and WSD identified population structure and history more precisely than IEK. Both knowledge types could “see” change in populations, and the nature of what was seen both converged and was complementary. Determining when IEK and WSD are complementary or reach common conclusions may allow Indigenous communities to use both together, or one knowledge type over another when either is more desired, appropriate, or time- or cost-efficient to adopt.

Explicit Planning for Converging Indigenous Knowledge and Western Scientific Knowledge on Water: A Western Science and Engineering Perspective

“…Epistemologically, IK emphasizes relationships and spirituality, which often lie outside the scope of WSK. The connection of IK with the natural environment , and its modality to gather such knowledge make it a unique knowledge domain, separate from the WSK sphere, which is developed applying the “iron-rule” of enquiry. In addition to epistemological differences between IK and WSK, historical and current relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Western societies have created a colonial legacy that includes a great imbalance − in power as well as perceptions of Indigenous People that are colored by stereotype and ignorance. , Researchers need to be aware of this legacy and its continuing manifestations.…”