Stilt fisher knowledge in southern Sri Lanka as an expert system: A strategy towards co-management.

Abstract

tMost small-scale fisheries throughout the world are based primarily on fisher knowledge, which is essen-tially experiential knowledge consisting of a replicable, verbally transmitted set of skills. Even thoughfisher knowledge is well documented for some fisheries, there are only a few studies that explain how itactually works as a management system. Stilt fishing is a unique method confined to the southern coastof Sri Lanka. We studied traditional stilt fisher knowledge as an expert system that helps make deci-sions for successful fishing. Study shows that traditional fisher knowledge base and the decision-makingprocess can be explained as an expert system. Fisher knowledge on biological and physical indicatorsthat gives cues on commencement date of fishing season, arrival of fish schools and its composition andecology and behaviour of target fish were distilled and empirically confirmed. Traditional stilt fisherswere found to hold detailed knowledge about weather, fishing season, feeding and migratory behaviourof target fishes, mainly the bluestripe herring (Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus). Empirical studies onfeeding behaviour, movement and migratory path of bluestripe herring indicate the reliability of fisherknowledge. Fishers’ expectations before starting fishing (ex-ante) on species composition arriving atfishing territory were 100% accurate at the actual harvest in conclusion of fishing (ex-post). Success infishing depends mainly on technical skills, and there exists considerable variation in the level of expertiseamong fishers. Traditional fishers are more successful in fishing than non-traditional fishers. Traditionalstilt fishers provide inexpensive information that can complement scientific information to produce bet-ter management outcomes. Fisher knowledge can therefore be effectively utilized in formulating policiesfor co-management of coastal fisheries in Sri Lanka. Opportunities exist to set up proper baseline forthe management of artisanal coastal fisheries with the ultimate aim of incorporating traditional fisherknowledge into management decision making.