Sustaining local ecological knowledge of artisanal fishers: a perspective from northern Colombia

Abstract

Fishing is one of the oldest activities developed by humans for both food subsistence and economic gain. Artisanal fishing has a great social impact; it helps satisfy basic nutritional needs and generates income for communities. Therefore, local ecological knowledge associated with such fishing practices is important because of its capacity to provide data on fishing research. Fishing in the study area is largely artisanal for subsistence, a consequence of the fact that there are no fishing associations or cooperatives which might empower local workers and help promote the sector. We based our study on a quantitative approach. Through this approach, we analyzed factors that influence future fishing decisions among artisanal fishers in a community in northern Colombia. We found that socioeconomic conditions and pollution were important considerations when respondents contemplated future fishing prospects. Respondents' perceptions of institutional support also influenced their attitudes about fishing. Most respondents planned to continue fishing. We encourage local authorities in such communities to address the challenges faced by artisanal fishers and develop strategies to improve the socioeconomic and environmental conditions in which such people work.