The importance of connected ocean monitoring knowledge systems and communities
Date
2019
Authors
Kaiser, B.A.
Hoeberechts, Maia
Maxwell, K.H.
Erkes-Medrano, L.
Hilmi, N.
Safa, A.
Horbel, C.
Juniper, S. Kim
Roughan, M.
Lowen, N.T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in Marine Science
Abstract
Ocean monitoring will improve outcomes if ways of knowing and priorities from a range
of interest groups are successfully integrated. Coastal Indigenous communities hold
unique knowledge of the ocean gathered through many generations of inter-dependent
living with marine ecosystems. Experiences and observations from living within that
system have generated ongoing local and traditional ecological knowledge (LEK and
TEK) and Indigenous knowledge (IK) upon which localized sustainable management
strategies have been based. Consequently, a comprehensive approach to ocean
monitoring should connect academic practices (“science”) and local community and
Indigenous practices, encompassing “TEK, LEK, and IK.” This paper recommends
research approaches and methods for connecting scientists, local communities, and
IK holders and their respective knowledge systems, and priorities, to help improve
marine ecosystem management. Case studies from Canada and New Zealand (NZ)
highlight the emerging recognition of IK systems in natural resource management, policy
and economic development. The in-depth case studies from Ocean Networks Canada
(ONC) and the new Moana Project, NZ highlight real-world experiences connecting
IK with scientific monitoring programs. Trial-tested recommendations for successful
collaboration include practices for two-way knowledge sharing between scientists and
communities, co-development of funding proposals, project plans and educational
resources, mutually agreed installation of monitoring equipment, and ongoing sharing
of data and research results. We recommend that future ocean monitoring research
be conducted using cross-cultural and/or transdisciplinary approaches. Vast oceans
and relatively limited monitoring data coupled with the urgency of a changing climate
emphasize the need for all eyes possible providing new data and insights. Community
members and ocean monitoring scientists in joint research teams are essential for
increasing ocean information using diverse methods compared with previous scientific
research. Research partnerships can also ensure impactful outcomes through improved
understanding of community needs and priorities.
Description
Keywords
indigenous knowledge, ocean monitoring, Ocean Networks Canada, matauranga Maori, Inuit Nunangat, Whakatohea, traditional ecological knowledge, socio-ecological systems
Citation
Kaiser, B.A., Hoeberechts, M., Maxwell, K.H., Eerkes-Medrano, L., Hilmi, N., Safa, A., Horbel, C., Juniper, S.K., Roughan, M., Lowen, N.T., Short, K., & Paruru, D. (2019). The importance of connected ocean monitoring knowledge systems and communities, Frontiers in Marine Science, 6(JUN). http://doi.org/10.3389/famrs.2019.00309