The contributions of fisher's knowledge to marine fisheries management a case study of a coastal commune in Vietnam

This paper examines the contributions of fisher's knowledge to marine fisheries management for sustainable development. This study argues that fisher's knowledge has significant contributions to sustainable management of marine fisheries. We investigate fisher's knowledge by using techniques of participant observation, interviews, and group discussions. The study finds that the local fishers have technological and ecological knowledge of fishing seasons and weather conditions, stars, seawater colour, current strength and direction, fish movement, seabed and fish habits. This knowledge is used to decide when, where, and how to fish. The study finds that this knowledge is significant in marine fisheries management since it can supplement scientific knowledge. Moreover, this knowledge can be used to build a knowledge base that can help the fisher's to fish effectively and avoid hazards at sea and the officials to manage the fisheries sector efficiently. Especially, this knowledge also gives valuable information for fish stock assessment and fisheries planning such as designing appropriate closed fishing seasons and marine protected areas suggested by the ecosystem approach.