GRANT
NUMBER:
NA76FD0112
NMFS NUMBER:
96-NER-166
REPORT
TITLE:
Oral History Project to Collect Traditional Ecological
Knowledge (Including Spawning Area Data) and Develop an
Historical Record of Fishermen/Scientist Interactions
AUTHOR:
Gloucester Fishermens Wives Development Programs,
Inc.
PUBLISH
DATE: June
14, 1999
AVAILABLE
FROM:
National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Region, One
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298. PHONE:
(978) 281-9267
ABSTRACT

Twenty-two
Gloucester fishermen and six NMFS biologists were interviewed
to secure a series of oral histories of fishermens
experiences at sea; build a database of traditional spawning
areas using a Geographic Information System (GIS); and
document joint efforts between fishermen and scientists.
The fishermen ranged in age from 31-83 years old and represented
several different vessel and gear types. A protocol was
developed for the interviews, but flexibility was allowed
for discourse on topics the respondent considered significant.
Changes in fishing patterns over time were documented
by the testimonies including crew downsizing; increase
in average fishing trip length; and diminished use of
networks of several boats fishing together in an area
to share fishing information and help other boats in an
emergency. Respondents used color coded markers on NOAA
charts to indicate favored fishing grounds, juvenile fish
areas, and spawning areas. One of the 11 charts marked
by the fishermen was digitized for use in GIS. More funding
and time is needed to digitize the remaining maps and
develop a database. The historical interactions between
scientists and fishermen revealed the need to improve
communication and collaboration between these two groups.
The researchers recommend creating monthly talking circles;
training seminars for fishermen on scientific and conservation
issues; continued mapping of traditional ecological knowledge
of fishermen; expanding fisherman participation in sea
sampling programs; participation of scientists in community
forums; and regular discussion between scientists and
the Social Sciences Advisory Committee regarding the needs
of Fishery Dependent Communities.