Integrating local and scientific knowledge: An example in fisheries science

Attempting to predict the spatial dynamics fish stocks, as required for man agement, is an ominous task given our incomplete understanding of biologica l and ecological mechanisms underpinning behavioral responses of fish. Larg e gaps still exist in our basic scientific knowledge. Nonetheless, the know ledge of fishers and fishery managers is not incorporated into our scientif ic analyses, even though such information is rich in observation since know ledge of fish behavior and distribution is a prerequisite for their profess ion. Combining such observations with more conventional scientific studies and theoretical interpretations provides a means by which we may bridge som e gaps in our knowledge. Presented here is an example of how both local and scientific knowledge can be integrated in a heuristic model. The model, CL UPEX, is developed in the framework of a fuzzy logic expert system and uses linguistic statements written in natural language to capture and combine k nowledge sources in the form of IF ... THEN rules. The rules are inferred f rom interviews with experts and fishery professionals including fishers, fi shery managers, scientists, and First Nations people. The knowledge base, c omprised of the set of rules, is flexible in the sense that it can easily b e modified to add additional information or change current information. Usi ng input pertaining to biotic and abiotic environmental conditions, CLUPEX uses the rules to provide quantitative and qualitative predictions on the s tructure, dynamics and mesoscale distribution of shoals of migratory adult herring during different life stages of their annual life cycle.