Fisherfolk call for integrating local and Indigenous knowledge into fisheries governance
Original framing: “Integrate local knowledge with science in fisheries management - Fisherfolk advocate” — bing news
Indigenous knowledge systems offer holistic, place-based approaches to fisheries management that are often ignored in favor of extractive, profit-driven models. Recognizing these systems as valid epistemic frameworks is essential for equitable governance.
The call to integrate local and Indigenous knowledge into fisheries management is not merely a technical adjustment but a transformative shift toward epistemic justice and ecological sustainability.
Historical patterns of colonial exclusion have marginalized these knowledge systems, while cross-cultural examples demonstrate the efficacy of community-led governance. Scientific models must be reoriented to include participatory methods, and artistic and spiritual dimensions should be recognized as vital to environmental stewardship. By centering marginalized voices and supporting co-management frameworks, fisheries governance can evolve toward equity, resilience, and long-term sustainability.