Johanne Fischer

How can an ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAF) that considers the interactions and interdependencies between multiple components of the ecosystem and balances ecological, economic and social benefits, be applied in data poor, multispecies small-scale fisheries?
To answer this question, it is important to understand that while information needs are much broader in the EAF and analysis may require new skills and multidisciplinary approaches, it does not necessarily call for new costintensive surveys – on the contrary. 
The EAF requires that the elements in an ecosystem and the linkages between them be identified. Management focuses on governing processes using adaptive management principles and simple indicators without necessarily requiring high levels of precision.
Further, the lack of “scientific knowledge” does not necessarily imply that knowledge does not exist. Fishers have a wealth of knowledge and experience that is extremely valuable for fisheries management - particularly small-scale fisheries.
Fishers and scientists generate knowledge in different ways and in different formats, i.e. scientific knowledge is the result of systematic sampling over short periods at certain intervals while fishers generally obtain knowledge through less systematic, frequent, long-term observations. The two knowledge systems are thus to a large extent complementary.
A recent workshop reviewed case studies from nine Latin American countries and provided guidance on how to integrate fishers and their knowledge and expertise fishers in the management process, which is consistent with international framework agreements including the Code of Conduct on Responsible Fisheries, and The Voluntary Guidelines on Small-scale fisheries.