Local ecological knowledge and marine fisheries research: the case of white hake (<i>Urophycis tenuis</i>) predation on juvenile American lobster (<i>Homarus americanus</i>)

Abstract

Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence fish harvesters voiced the concern that white hake (Urophycis tenuis) were jeopardizing the recruitment of juvenile American lobster (Homarus americanus), through predation, into the commercially exploitable population. The harvesters insisted that marine science was not documenting this situation, since sampling was being conducted in the wrong places and at the wrong times of year. This paper reports on the results arising from a 2-year collaborative and interdisciplinary research project designed to examine fish harvesters' concerns. Several social research methodologies were used to identify and interview “local knowledge experts” about where and when sampling should occur. Following harvesters' advice, white hake stomachs were sampled over a 2-year period. Contrary to harvester expectations, American lobster was not found in any of the 3080 white hake stomachs sampled. Yet, harvesters' advice did result in successful sampling from within the places recommended and at the times of year specified. The research also demonstrates an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach that generates meaningful research results while incorporating marine harvester local knowledge and addressing their concerns.