Complementarity of fishers' traditional ecological knowledge and conventional science: Contributions to the management of groupers (Epinephelinae) fisheries around Mafia Island, Tanzania

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dc.creatorGaspare, Lydia
dc.creatorBryceson, Ian
dc.creatorKulindwa, Kassim
dc.date2016-04-05T13:28:20Z
dc.date2016-04-05T13:28:20Z
dc.date2015
dc.date.accessioned2018-03-27T08:22:45Z
dc.date.available2018-03-27T08:22:45Z
dc.descriptionThis study is part of the first author's PhD work
dc.descriptionTraditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is increasingly advocated as a complementary source of information that can potentially be integrated into mainstream science, particularly to help improve fisheries management. However, less attention has been paid to identifying specific areas where the TEK of fishers may confirm or contradict conventional scientific knowledge (CSK); or where TEK may provide new insights for fisheries systems characterized by multi-species and multi-gear usage. We conducted a qualitative exploration of TEK of grouper fishing patterns and compared the findings with an analysis of catch data in order to elucidate the extent of fishing pressure on groupers. We further compared TEK of the ecology and biology of groupers with published CSK to understand the complementarity between the two domains. Data collection methods included structured open-ended questionnaire, semi-structured interviews with key informants, focus group discussions, personal observations and a literature review. Results indicate that TEK complements CSK in terms of catch assessment and the ecology of groupers. TEK provides additional information on fishing gear, specific grouper species caught, habitat use and feeding habits; however, TEK contradicts CSK regarding spawning aggregation behavior. TEK offers new knowledge on environmental threats facing groupers, but fishers lack knowledge on reproductive modes and life history traits (i.e. hermaphroditism and spawning season) of groupers. We conclude that, in a conducive democratic setting based upon mutual respect and trust, TEK can complement conventional science and help to make more informed management decisions for sustainable fishing.
dc.descriptionNorwegian Programme for Development, Research and Education (NUFUTZ-2007/10227) project in Tanzania.
dc.identifierGaspare, L., Bryceson, I., & Kulindwa, K. (2015). Complementarity of fishers' traditional ecological knowledge and conventional science: Contributions to the management of groupers (Epinephelinae) fisheries around Mafia Island, Tanzania. Ocean & Coastal Management, 114, 88-101.
dc.identifierhttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1451
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2333
dc.languageen
dc.publisherOcean & Coastal Management
dc.subjectEpinephelidae
dc.subjectFishers' ecological knowledge
dc.subjectIntegrating
dc.subjectFisheries management
dc.titleComplementarity of fishers' traditional ecological knowledge and conventional science: Contributions to the management of groupers (Epinephelinae) fisheries around Mafia Island, Tanzania
dc.typeJournal Article, Peer Reviewed

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Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology