The creation of coastal space – how local ecological knowledge becomes relevant

Abstract

Since the 1990s, substantial efforts have been invested in Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) research, but LEK has only been applied in western fisheries and resource management to a limited extent. The attempts to link LEK to model-based fish stock assessment seem to have failed largely because the format of LEK does not fit into the models currently in use. However, LEK is still relevant for natural resource management. This article approaches LEK from a different position, not as knowledge about fish stocks but as a constituent in the creation of coastal space as a management object. Through the description of procedures and practices for collection, mapping and authorisation of LEK in Norway, the article illustrates how LEK can potentially become a central element in fisheries and coastal management by using the construction of coastal space as a core management object. As the article will show, the translation of users' experiences into formal knowledge (LEK) about specific activities in certain localities imbues the coastal space with formerly unknown properties and contributes to turning it into a more complex management object. Thus, the article illustrates that LEK becomes relevant for management when it is presented in a format that fits into the frames of reference used in coastal zone management.Keywords: Local ecological knowledge; Fishers' knowledge; Multiple objects; Coastal space Local knowledge -knowledge about what?Our story starts during the winter fishery for North East Arctic cod (Gadus morhua) a on a fishing ground outside Senja in Northern Norway in 2011 (Figure 1, Area 1), on board a 15 meter long gillnetter with two men fishing on this particular fishing ground for their first time. During participant observation, we could observe and experience how they struggled to learn how to fish in a new area. When a string of nets was hauled, as a newcomer to the ground, the skipper had to decide whether to set again in the same position or start looking for a new place to deploy the gear. Based on the size of the catch, information he had obtained from the old-timers on shore, advice from other skippers fishing in the same area and his own interpretation of the relationship between an unfamiliar bottom, unfamiliar currents and fish behaviour, this was like trial fishing, and he had to discuss with his crew before he made a final decision. The skipper had more than 30 years of fishing experience from the fishing grounds around the Lofoten Islands, where he actually knew the waters intimately (Figure 1, Area 2). In 2007 and 2009, we conducted fieldwork on board this vessel when the

Improving or overturning the ITQ system? Views of stakeholders in Icelandic fisheries

“…It is sometimes referred to either as indigenous knowledge (Berkes 2009), local knowledge (Armitage et al 2008), traditional ecological knowledge (Berkes et al 2000), fishers' ecological knowledge (Johnsen et al 2014), or with reference to Iceland, as practical knowledge (Pálsson 1998a). Apart from the variation of these terms, there is a general consensus that the multiple epistemologies found within fisheries need to be included and considered (Berkes 2009;Carlsson and Berkes 2005;Pálsson 1998a).…”

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“…Rather than just being informed about the process, it is vital that these groups are involved in the co-production of the knowledge base upon which a marine plan is built. Fishermen possess knowledge about local conditions that state-led assessments may not be able to reveal (Johnsen et al, 2014). Through the inclusion of local (or traditional) ecological knowledge, the negative implications of management decisions may be tempered.…”

Local empowerment through the creation of coastal space?

“…Governable objects are what Mol (2002) calls multiple objects, which are held together by the power of knowledge, science, and practice. Marine planning is a process whereby coastal space becomes framed as a governable object (Johnsen et al 2014). Coastal space as a governable object is not equal to the undefined natural space, but a translation of an ungovernable complexity into a defined, governable object that can serve as a foundation for governance interventions.…”

“…It is now well documented that fishers possess substantial knowledge about fish behavior such as spawning and breeding areas, fishers' behavior, and the use of sea areas by different ethnic groups (Davis and Wagner 2003, Murray et al 2006, Berkes 2008, Murray et al 2008, Brattland and Nilsen 2011. This knowledge has become an important element of Norwegian coastal planning (Johnsen et al 2014), and is a key element in identifying local stocks of the threatened coastal cod.…”