Integrating scientific data and traditional knowledge to inform management

The Corridor ecosystem has been well-studied and over 200,000 geo-referenced data points are available to help establish spatial management plans. Fisher communities have participated in monitoring resources in the past and currently are generating data on their catch. This in combination with other data from the literature, and from interviews and mapping processes that fishermen participate in, help integrate a wealth of traditional knowledge and scientific information to produce realistic management proposals. Even when presented with complex analyses of this data resulting from computer models such as INVEST and ZONATION, fishers have shown confidence in the information presented to them and they validate it. By creating a decision-making process that uses evidence from these various sources that all stakeholders believe in, we are building a science-based decision making process. We plan to work with stakeholders to define the best indicators for tracking the impacts of management, and then design a participatory process for monitoring these, developing a common, science-based language for measuring the effectiveness of the program. The program is building a digital platform that will serve to communicate the advances.

CEDO has generated data on this ecosystem for the last 37 years, making it possible to integrate science into the process. The long history of fisher participation in monitoring is also helpful, as they have not questioned the validity of the data they are seeing, in general, and they have the opportunity to fine tune results as well.  Government validation of the data generated is key. Government has contributed financially to producing the data and CEDO's work is known and respected. 

Funding for long-term monitoring is important and it must include the resources for data management and analysis. Engaging fishers in monitoring, sharing other data sources with them, and producing results that are consistent with their understanding of the ecosystem are powerful in getting them to trust the results.  The program also involves a technical team who understands the process and participates in evaluating critical components of analysis. Getting government buy-in is critical for getting them to use the data for policy.  Sharing results, credit and ultimately publications with government researchers,  can offer important incentives to the government to work together on production and analysis of data.