Compiling fishers’ local ecological knowledge for the conservation of threatened shark species in the Galapagos Islands

This study examines the role of local ecological knowledge among fishers in the Galápagos Islands as a participatory approach to advancing the conservation of threatened shark species. Through the collection of qualitative and quantitative data using the open-source platform ONA, the research captures fishers’ insights on shark abundance, distribution patterns, habitat use, and their practices and perceptions regarding shark conservation. These data were integrated with participatory mapping, using fisher’s drawings and processing them in QGIS, enabling the spatial identification of key areas occupied by adult and juvenile sharks. The findings provide the first baseline assessment of the conservation status of threatened shark species since the implementation of protective measures. Results indicate population recovery in certain shark species following the cessation of shark fishing in the archipelago. Additionally, previously unidentified nursery areas were mapped, and fishers’ interest in shark conservation was documented. This study underscores the importance of collaborative knowledge generation, emphasizing the value of integrating fishers’ ecological expertise into conservation strategies.

• Main Author: Altamirano, Lía (author)
• Format: masterThesis
• Language: eng
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: CONSERVACIÓN DE LOS RECURSOS MARINOS; ECOSISTEMAS INSULARES; CONSERVACIÓN DEL TIBURÓN; PARTICIPACIÓN COMUNITARIA; CONOCIMIENTO ECOLÓGICO; LOCAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE; SHARKS
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10644/10528