Research Article: Ecosystem Restoration: Evaluating Local Knowledge and Management Systems of Fishermen in Fosu Lagoon, Ghana

Abstract

This article evaluates fishermen's knowledge about the value of mangrove to fish stock and discusses possible management practices to help restore fish stock within the Fosu Lagoon, Ghana. The lagoon was recently added to the list of water bodies with dead zones, raising concern for the people who depend on it for both sustenance and livelihood. The methodology includes in-depth interviews and surveys. Feedback was collected from 120 fishermen representing the different communities that fish the lagoon. Findings did include that fishermen indicated they have some knowledge about mangroves in general and specifically their value to fishing. However, they lack knowledge about the scientific information to manage these mangroves properly to derive the complete benefits that mangroves provide. With its importance to the livelihood of the fishermen and the traditional heritage of the Cape Coast (Ghana) community as a whole, Fosu Lagoon should be the object of more in-depth studies to help restore the fishery resources. This article provides baseline information for developing educational programs to educate the people about the economic, ecological value, and functions of mangroves. The report analyzes one of the obstaclesdepletion of mangroves-leading to decline in fish resources in the lagoon. Based on the knowledge of the fishermen, the article provides some recommendations for better management of the lagoon to help reverse fish decline. This work is original, as no such analysis has been carried out before for this region. Environmental Practice 12: 202-213 (2010)

Mangrove conservation and utilization in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines

“…Even fishers, who rely heavily on mangroves for their livelihoods, may lack the scientific knowledge necessary to fully utilize these resources (Darkwa and Smardon, 2010). Moreover, community dependence on mangrove-based activities like charcoal making (Kusmana and Sukwika, 2018;Ritabulan et al, 2019) often leads to destructive anthropogenic threats, such as firewood overharvesting, house construction, timber production, agriculture, and aquaculture activities (Nfotabong-Athuell et al, 2011;Warren-Rhodes et al, 2011;Jones et al, 2015;Gonzales et al, 2017;Marican et al, 2018).…”

Community knowledge and utilization of mangroves in Panabo Mangrove Park, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Philippines

“…As noted, there are local populations that have limited knowledge of mangrove species and their ecological and economic benefits (Satyanarayana et al 2012). Darkwa and Smardon (2010) even found out that fishers lack the scientific knowledge necessary to derive the benefits offered by mangroves completely. Another concern is that because of community dependence on its known consumptive uses like charcoal making, destruction is inevitable (Kusmana and Sukwika 2018;Ritabulan et al 2019).…”

The Role of Taboos in the Protection and Recovery of Sea Turtles

“…Fishers in Cape Coast, Ghana accepted a recent government fishing closure of the Fosu Lagoon because traditional practices already reduced fishing efforts in the lagoon. Through a set of taboos that give reverence to Nana Fosu, the God of the lagoon, the fishers understood the need for mangrove restoration to protect the nursery for fish that belong to Nana Fosu (Darkwa and Smardon, 2010).…”