Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a serious threat to ecosystems and societies worldwide. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) is increasingly valued as a means of understanding environmental issues; however, its application in the context of IAS research has been limited. The overall objective of this study was to document the LEK of farmers and Weed Supervisors to gain insight into a recent IAS, Odontites serotina. I conducted semi-structured interviews with farmers and Weed Supervisors with O. serotina management experience. Results indicated that the socio-economic impacts for farmers were severe in affected rural communities. However, participants had developed promising control techniques, including the application of compost mulch. I used this LEK as well as data on species occurrence, environmental variables, and measures of propagule pressure to forecast the potential distribution of O. serotina across Manitoba. The risk map generated will be useful for guiding future monitoring and public outreach efforts.

The Mackenzie Delta region of Northwestern Canada is a dynamic environment that is ecologically and culturally significant. This region is experiencing rapid environmental change that is expected to worsen with continued climate warming and additional anthropogenic stressors. In northern regions, conventional environmental monitoring strategies can be hindered by complex and cost prohibitive logistics. In this context of environmental change and uncertainty, there is a critical need to draw on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and observations to inform decision-making. In some areas changes in land cover are occurring so rapidly that maintaining an accurate inventory is problematic. Knowledgeable land users are in a unique position to assess changes in regional environmental conditions and inventory cumulative impacts. Environmental decision-making in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region requires Inuvialuit participation in several co-management bodies. The objectives of this project were to develop and field-test a community-based monitoring program that shares Inuvialuit observations with stakeholders in environmental decision-making in a standardized and accessible format. Working with the Hunter and Trapper Committees of Aklavik, Inuvik, and Tuktoyaktuk, the Inuvialuit Joint Secretariat, and the Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program we (1) adapted a participatory photo-mapping (PPM) method to record Inuvialuit observations of environmental conditions using a strategy consistent with community goals and Inuvialuit culture. In the summer of 2010, we worked with knowledgeable Inuvialuit hunters and land users to document Inuvialuit observations of environmental conditions using digital cameras and hand held GPS units. Subsequently, digital photographs and video footage became the focus of photo-elicitation interviews, which added a detailed narrative to each geo-referenced observation. Following fieldwork and interviews, geo-referenced photos, video, and associated text files were entered into web-based map. Approximately 150 observations were mapped and grouped into 33 themes. Interviews with monitors and a range of potential map users suggest that web-based mapping is an effective way to record and share observations and concerns related to the regional environment. We found that PPM could be very useful for northern researchers, decision-makers, and planners because it can facilitate knowledge transfer among stakeholders, facilitate community consultation, and contribute to environmental impact assessment and monitoring strategies. Our experience suggests that by providing a record of the location and magnitude of anomalous environmental conditions, this monitoring initiative will contribute northern planning and decision-making, and the communication of TEK and observations among northern stakeholders. Overall, this research highlights the effectiveness of using the web-based PPM tool to document and share Inuvialuit observations. A monitoring program built around TEK and observations that are linked to geo-referenced images (and other media) will significantly improve our capacity to detect the impacts of environmental change. (1) Because chapters 2 and 3 were co-authored, plural was used throughout the entire document. / Graduate

This thesis seeks to highlight the importance of a geographic and culturally specific knowledge base to guide natural resource management and governance policy, particularly within the West African context. In order to demonstrate the level of complexity that may exist within this realm, the Kedougou region of Senegal is used as a case study. Traditional Method of Subsistence (TMoS), Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and ethnic diversity are considered in order to validate the need to go beyond a superficial involvement of community within models such as Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). Focus groups were conducted for this case study in order to identify areas of similarity and difference that exist along ethnic lines. Two areas of concern that all ethnic groups agreed upon was a depletion of water resources and a diminished growing season that leads to an annual food shortage in the region. Three primary areas of difference were found to coincide with traditional ethnic boundaries in the region: traditional religious belief, wealth accumulation and social hierarchy. The findings of this research demonstrate that while areas of cohesive community concern may serve as a focal point for CBNRM programs, it is also important to consider areas of ethnic difference which hold the potential to significantly influence sustainable and equitable resource management. For example, while traction methods for intensified agriculture are identified as important by all ethnic groups represented in this thesis: (A) traditional agricultural ethnic groups already have experience with these methods, and may only need access to assistance such as micro-credit opportunities, (B) the pastoral ethnic groups already have an abundance of traction animals, and so equipment may be what is primarily needed, while (C) the horticultural group may not have access to the land necessary for optimal traction agriculture. It is therefore suggested that CBNRM programs must be structured around community variables found along cultural lines in order to be of value to government and non-government conservation programs and policy formation in the region.

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

Submitted by Maria Suzana Diniz (msuzanad@hotmail.com) on 2015-11-03T15:03:09Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 4451269 bytes, checksum: f9b87e98dd454fb08074cecc188cc469 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-03T15:03:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 4451269 bytes, checksum: f9b87e98dd454fb08074cecc188cc469 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Sea turtles have a long history of human exploitation around the world who have contributed to the population decline of the species, along with other threats, especially the accidental capture by various types of fishing. Ethnobiological research can provide important information to understand the context of exploitation / interaction of these animals to people. The research was conducted with the localized fishing communities in the Penha Beach and Estuary Mamanguape River (ERM). Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire and semi-structured and free interviews. The questionnaire elicited socioeconomic data on the fishing techniques used, the fishermen's knowledge about sea turtles, incidental capture of events involving these animals and a projective test, with illustrations of the species. Were prepared Local Ecological Knowledge Indicators (LEK) and Conservation Attitudes for fishermen. Our results show that the incidental capture of sea turtles is mainly related to gill net technique. In this technique, large nets catch more turtles accidentally. Recommendations to reduce the incidental capture and mortality of sea turtles are presented. Respondents fishermen recognize the different species of sea turtles that occur in the studied areas. The fishermen showed high ecological knowledge about sea turtles, demonstrated by high values in CEL indicator. The results show that knowledge is not evenly distributed among the fishermen of each community, there are experts in the field at each site. The Conservation Attitudes indicator showed a high predisposition to conservation in the two communities. Were also discussed food taboos, medicinal and traditional use of sea turtles. / Tartarugas marinhas tem longo histórico de exploração humana em todo o mundo, que têm contribuído para o declínio populacional das espécies, juntamente com outras ameaças, com destaque para a captura acidental por diversos tipos de pesca. Pesquisas etnobiológicas, como esta, podem fornecer informações importantes para compreender o contexto de exploração/interação desses animais com as pessoas. A pesquisa foi realizada junto às comunidades de pescadores localizadas na Praia da Penha e no Estuário do Rio Mamanguape (ERM). Os dados foram obtidos através de questionário estruturado e entrevistas semiestruturadas e livres. O questionário levantou dados socioeconômicos, sobre as técnicas de pesca utilizadas, o conhecimento dos pescadores sobre as tartarugas marinhas, eventos de captura incidental envolvendo esses animais e um teste projetivo, com ilustrações das espécies. Foram elaborados Indicadores de Conhecimento Ecológico Local (CEL) e de Atitudes de Conservação para os pescadores. Nossos resultados apontam que a captura acidental de tartarugas marinhas está relacionada principalmente à técnica de rede de espera. Nesta técnica, as redes de malha grande capturam mais tartarugas acidentalmente. São apresentadas recomendações para redução da captura incidental e mortalidade de tartarugas marinhas. Os pescadores entrevistados reconhecem as diferentes espécies de tartarugas marinhas que ocorrem nas áreas estudadas. Parte dos pescadores mostrou elevado conhecimento ecológico sobre tartarugas marinhas, demonstrado por valores elevados no Indicador de CEL. Os resultados mostram que o conhecimento não está uniformemente distribuído entre os pescadores de cada comunidade, há especialistas no assunto em cada local. O Indicador de Atitudes de Conservação mostrou uma alta predisposição para conservação nas duas comunidades. Foram discutidos ainda tabus alimentares, uso medicinal e artesanal de tartarugas marinhas.

Submitted by Vasti Dinizmm (vastijpa@hotmail.com) on 2017-07-26T13:42:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 5779145 bytes, checksum: 5cbba6d3ca6627f2bed031fdbe1ef424 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-26T13:42:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 5779145 bytes, checksum: 5cbba6d3ca6627f2bed031fdbe1ef424 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-19 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The artisanal fishing is a secular activity developed by men and characterized by small scale exploitation of fisheries that serves as family income and subsistence. Currently, the coastal marine environment of Brazil has been suffering substantial degradation processes, due to the growing anthropic pressure and over-exploitation of natural resources. In the State of Paraiba, relevant studies suggest significant declines in fish catches by artisanal fisheries. Thus, the development of fisheries management plans that involve the interests of all individuals is critical, aiming the sustainability of fisheries. To achieve this, it is necessary to prioritize the use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of the local fishing communities, which is characterized as a set of knowledge and practices developed through adaptive processes in the relationship of living beings and the environment. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the artisanal fishing of Penha and Ponta do Seixas communities, located in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba State, through the description of their ethno-ecological aspects and the possible relationship between the amount of fish caught and overfishing. Artisanal fishery communities of Penha and Ponta do Seixas, located in the south of João Pessoa coast, in Paraíba state, were characterized by the use of scientific knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of local fishermen. The TEK proved to be essential in the data collection, perception of fish stocks, and overfishing of certain species. The study was conducted through landing reports, unstructured interviews, participant observation, structured, and semi structured interviews. Motorized boats were the main vessels used by fishermen. Eight different fishing strategies have been identified, and the most used were the handline and bottom gillnet. Fifty three species of fishes were recorded, 24 through the monitoring of landings (captured with handline) and 29 from interviews. In total 7,670.4kg of fishes were sampled in 28 landings between February 2015 and January 2016. Among the 27 recorded families: Carangidae, Lutjanidae, and Serranidae stood out. The most captured species were: ‘guarajuba’ (Carangoides bartholomaei), ‘arabaiana’ (Seriola dumerili); ‘peixe-rei’ (Elegatis bipinnulatus), and ‘xixarro’ (Carangoides crysos). Most of landings were recorded during the summer, although no significant differences were observed between biomass and species richness captured during summer and winter. It was proposed the Index of the Fishery Importance (IPP) in order to highlight species, according to their biological, ecological, and commercial characteristics, that are more valued in the studied communities. According to the criteria of the IPP, five species stood out: ‘guarajuba’ (Carangoides bartholomaei), ‘arabaiana’ (Seriola dumerili), ‘xixarro’ (Carangoides crysos), ‘cioba’ (Lutjanus analis), and ‘peixe-rei’ (Elegatis bipinnulatus). Furthermore, it was used the Smith’s salience index (IS), which is based on higher frequency values and coincidence of items, by which: ‘cioba’ (Lutjanus analis), ‘guarajuba’ (Carangoides bartholomaei), ‘cavala’ (Scomberomorus cavalla), ‘xixarro’ (Carangoides crysos), and serra (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) stood out. In order to get more information on the biology, ecology and fisheries aspects of these species, an ethnobiological study was conducted with local fishermen. It was observed that fishermen have a vast knowledge of fish species, especially those considered most important according to the values of the IPP and IS. Therefore, it is suggested that fishermen’s TEK should be used in aid of scientific research conducted in the region as well as in discussion of fisheries resources management that may be developed in the area. / A pesca artesanal é uma atividade secular desenvolvida pelo homem, caracterizada pela exploração em pequena escala dos recursos pesqueiros, que servem como renda e subsistência familiar. Atualmente, os ambientes costeiros marinhos do Brasil vêm sofrendo consideráveis processos de degradação, decorrentes da crescente pressão antrópica e sobre-exploração de recursos. Na Paraíba, importantes trabalhos apontam para o declínio considerável nas capturas de peixes pela pesca artesanal. Assim, torna-se urgente o desenvolvimento de planos de manejo pesqueiros que envolvam os interesses de todos os indivíduos, buscando a sustentabilidade da pesca. Para tanto, deve-se priorizar a utilização do Conhecimento Ecológico Local (CEL) das comunidades de pescadores, caracterizado como um conjunto de saberes e práticas desenvolvidos através de processos adaptativos na relação dos seres vivos com o ambiente. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização da pesca artesanal das comunidades da Penha e Ponta do Seixas, localizadas em João Pessoa, Paraíba, através da descrição de seus aspectos etnoecológicos e, a possível relação entre a quantidade de peixes e a sobrepesca de espécies. O estudo foi realizado através de acompanhamentos de desembarques, entrevistas não estruturadas, observação participante, entrevistas estruturadas e semiestruturadas. Barcos motorizados foram as principais embarcações utilizadas pelos pescadores. Foram identificados oito diferentes estratégias de pesca, com destaque para a linha de mão e rede de emalhe afundada. Foram registradas 53 espécies de peixes, 24 através do acompanhamento de desembarques (capturadas com linha de mão) e 29 a partir de entrevistas. Ao total foram amostrados 7.670,4kg de peixes, em 28 desembarques realizados entre fevereiro de 2015 e janeiro de 2016. Dentre as 27 famílias registradas, destacaram-se: Carangidae, Lutjanidae e Serranidae. As espécies mais capturadas foram: guarajuba (Carangoides bartholomaei), arabaiana (Seriola dumerili); peixe-rei (Elegatis bipinnulatus) e xixarro (Carangoides crysos). A maior parte dos desembarques foi registrada durante o verão, embora não tenham sido observadas diferenças significativas entre a biomassa e riqueza de espécies capturadas durante o verão e inverno. Também foi utilizado o Índice de Importância Para a Pesca (IPP), a fim de revelar as espécies que, de acordo com suas características biológicas, ecológicas e comerciais, são mais valorizadas nas comunidades estudadas. Segundo os critérios do IPP, cinco espécies se destacaram: guarajuba (Carangoides bartholomaei), arabaiana (Seriola dumerili), xixarro (Carangoides crysos), cioba (Lutjanus analis) e peixe-rei (Elegatis bipinnulatus). De maneira complementar, foi proposto o Índice de Saliência (IS), que se baseia nos maiores valores de frequência e coincidência entre os itens citados, destacando-se: cioba (Lutjanus analis), guarajuba (Carangoides bartholomaei), cavala (Scomberomorus cavalla), xixarro (Carangoides crysos) e serra (Scomberomorus brasiliensis). Com o objetivo de obter maiores informações quanto à biologia, ecologia e aspectos pesqueiros destas espécies, foi realizado um estudo etnobiológico junto aos informantes chave. Observou-se que os pescadores possuem um vasto conhecimento sobre as espécies de peixes, especialmente àquelas consideradas mais importantes segundo os valores do IPP e IS. Desta forma, sugere-se que o CEL dos pescadores seja utilizado no auxílio de pesquisas científicas desenvolvidas na região, bem como em discussões de manejo de recursos pesqueiros que por ventura sejam desenvolvidos na área.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:33:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MairaFM_DISSERT.pdf: 3093445 bytes, checksum: d2ae875fa255d63d74d4dd7eb217d9f0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-10-29 / Ethnobiology studies Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) as well as the use and management of natural resources by local communities in order to understand how the environment is perceived, known and classified by human groups. In fishing communities, LEK adds empirical information about the biology of aquatic species and complements scientific findings, especially when it is difficult to obtain factual information during studies on cetaceans, whose behavior is essentially underwater. Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) are constantly threatened by human activities, especially by accidental capture of small coastal species, as in the case of the estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), object of this study. Ethnobiological researches in fishing communities are of great importance and can clarify aspects of the biology and conservation of this species. Although extensively studied throughout its distribution range, there are still gaps in the knowledge about S. guianensis. Therefore, fishers local ecological knowledge becomes an additional tool to get and confirm information about S. guianensis. This study evaluated the LEK of artisanal fishers who are daily exposed to local population of S. guianensis, through the use of semistructured interviews (N=116). The interviewed fishers were asked about the biology and popular classification of S. guianensis and about possible interactions between this dolphin and them. The studied communities were located in Tibau do Sul (n=39), Pipa (n=36) and Ba?a Formosa (n=41), all on the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The study was based on the assumption that differences in fishers LEK among those communities would be caused by both the variety of fishing environments (lagoon/estuary and ocean) and the intensity of tourism activities. Fishers knowledge is expressive and differed among the studied communities depending on the topic investigated. Fishers correctly reported the habitat, distribution, seasonality and behavioral particularities of S. guianensis. Tourism mainly affected the naming of the species. The study results also suggest that marine fishers have greater knowledge about the species than the estuarine/lagoon ones. Local populations accumulate empirical knowledge according to their environment. Hence, it is important to take into account both empirical knowledge and popular participation in management systems, in order to maintain information sharing among communities / A etnobiologia estuda o Conhecimento Ecol?gico Local (Local Ecological Knowledge LEK) e o uso e gest?o de recursos naturais por comunidades locais visando compreender como o ambiente ? percebido, conhecido e classificado por grupos humanos. Em comunidades de pescadores artesanais, o LEK agrega informa??es emp?ricas a respeito da biologia de esp?cies aqu?ticas e pode complementar os achados cient?ficos, especialmente em situa??es de dif?cil obten??o de dados, como em estudos sobre os aspectos comportamentais essencialmente submersos de cet?ceos. Os cet?ceos, representados pelas baleias e golfinhos, constantemente s?o alvos de atividades antr?picas, destacando-se a captura acidental de esp?cies costeiras de pequeno porte, a exemplo do boto cinza (Sotalia guianensis), objeto deste trabalho. Estudos etnobiol?gicos em comunidades pesqueiras s?o de grande import?ncia e possibilitam esclarecer aspectos da biologia e conserva??o desta esp?cie. Embora bastante estudado ao longo de sua distribui??o, ainda existem diversas lacunas no conhecimento sobre S. guianensis. Nesse sentido, o LEK de pescadores artesanais, torna-se uma ferramenta adicional, podendo confirmar e at? acrescentar informa??es sobre a esp?cie. Este trabalho investigou o LEK de pescadores artesanais, expostos diuturnamente a popula??es residentes de S. guianensis, por meio de 116 entrevistas semi-estruturadas. Os pescadores foram indagados a respeito da biologia e classifica??o do S. guianensis, al?m de poss?veis intera??es com a esp?cie. As comunidades estudadas foram Tibau do Sul (n=39), Pipa (n=36) e Ba?a Formosa (n=41), todas localizadas no litoral sul do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Pressup?s-se que haveria diferen?as entre as comunidades em rela??o ao LEK dos pescadores, devido tanto ? diversidade dos ambientes pesqueiros (lagunar e marinho), quanto ao grau de interfer?ncia do turismo. Constatou-se que o conhecimento dos pescadores ? apurado, embora difira conforme a comunidade estudada. Os pescadores entrevistados informaram corretamente caracter?sticas gerais do S. guianensis como aspectos morfol?gicos, habitat, distribui??o, sazonalidade e aspectos comportamentais. Observou-se que houve interfer?ncia do turismo sobretudo na designa??o popular da esp?cie. Os resultados tamb?m sugerem que pescadores de ambiente marinho possuem maior conhecimento sobre a esp?cie. Evidenciou-se que popula??es locais acumulam conhecimento de acordo com o ambiente que utilizam, o que torna importante levar em considera??o o conhecimento local e a participa??o popular nos sistemas de manejo de forma a manter este compartilhamento de informa??es com pesquisadores e gestores

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Esse estudo teve como objetivo geral investigar as relaÃÃes estabelecidas entre os pescadores do litoral leste do Cearà e os recursos pesqueiros no que diz respeito ao conhecimento ecolÃgico local (CEL) sobre a ictiofauna e as tÃcnicas de pesca para capturar as espÃcies. Especificamente, foram investigados os pescadores da praia de Redonda, municÃpio de Icapuà (CE), e as espÃcies de peixes mais exploradas por eles. A localidade foi escolhida pelo fato dos pescadores serem referÃncia por praticarem uma pesca responsÃvel, ou seja, em consonÃncia com os princÃpios da sustentabilidade. Para coleta de dados foram utilizados mÃtodos qualitativos e quantitativos à luz da Etnoictiologia, a qual trata das interaÃÃes entre os seres humanos e os peixes. As tÃcnicas de pesquisa utilizadas foram: amostragem âbola de neveâ; observaÃÃo direta; turnÃs guiadas; entrevistas abertas; e questionÃrios estruturados e semi-estruturados. A pesquisa contou com a participaÃÃo direta de 30 pescadores e de respondentes da comunidade em geral. Os resultados mostraram que os pescadores de Redonda realizam uma pesca artesanal, geralmente em embarcaÃÃes à vela, utilizando instrumentos simples e que a pesca constitui-se como uma atividade econÃmica, sociocultural e de subsistÃncia. As espÃcies de peixes mais capturadas (de maior valor de uso) foram cavala (Aconthocybium solandri); biquara (Haemulon plumierii) e serra (Scomberomorus brasiliensis). Sugere-se que sejam adotadas medidas mÃnimas do comprimento para captura dessas espÃcies. O estudo aponta a necessidade da criaÃÃo de seguro defeso para peixes da famÃlia Lutjanidae: cioba, dentÃo, guaiuba, pargo e ariacÃ. Essas informaÃÃes sÃo importantes para a elaboraÃÃo de planos de manejo e conservaÃÃo dos recursos pesqueiros, alÃm de subsidiar a tomada de decisÃo visando promover a gestÃo sustentÃvel da pesca. / This study aimed to investigate the relations between the Cearà coastal fishermen and fisheries resources with respect to the local ecological knowledge (LEK) about fish and fishing techniques. Specifically, we investigated the fishermen from Redonda Beach, in the municipality of Icapui (CE), and the fish species harvested by them. This location was chosen because those fishermen carries on the responsible fishing, that is aligned to the sustainability principles. For data collection, we used qualitative and quantitative methods in the light of ethnoichthyology, which deals with the interactions between humans and fish. The research techniques used in this study were the following: "snowball"sampling ; direct observation, guided tours, open interviews, and semi-structured and structured questionnaires. The survey was applied to the Redonda fishermen and 30 persons from the community. The results showed that Redonda fishermen have practiced artisanal fishing, usually in sailing vessels, using relatively simple tools, and that fishing is an economic, sociocultural and subsistence activity for them. The fish species most havested (and showing higher use value) were cavala (Aconthocybium solandri); biquara (Haemulon plumierii) and serra (Scomberomorus brasiliensis). We suggest that policy measures should be adopted for those species such as minimum harvesting season. The study points out the need for creating spawning season for the Lutjanidae fish family: cioba, dentÃo, guaiuba, pargo e ariacÃ. This information is important for developing fisheries resource management and conservation plans, in addition to supporting the decision making to promote the fisheries sustainable management on the coast of CearÃ.

This thesis looks at the impact of migration and place on the traditional healing knowledge and practices of a Mexican immigrant mother from Guanajuato, Mexico: Sofia Perez. Through the use of oral history methodology and the application of the Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Wisdom (TEKW) model and the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to analyze the narratives, this study looks at the origin of Sofia's healing knowledge and practices and at how she has managed to keep these traditions alive despite migrating to the United States and living in a society that may not believe in the efficacy of these healing traditions. The application of the Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Wisdom (TEKW) model provided insight into the healing traditions of Sofia's home community and the ways in which these were learned, practiced, and preserved and proved useful in looking at how this was done by Sofia before and after migrating. Next, the Social Ecological Model (SEM) proved useful in looking at how place and its various social, cultural, and ecological aspects have influenced Sofia's use of traditional medicine since she migrated. Overall, Sofia's knowledge and practices have been impacted by migration and place; however, she continues to practice these traditions as best as she can.

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) is a useful method to capture environmental or resource changes when there is an absence of biological data. Since the bonefish fishery is data limited, this study aims to understand the trend of bonefish decline over the last 40 years using LEK and to assess whether varying fisher experience and fisher type would influence perception of bonefish decline. Semi-structured surveys and key informant interviews were conducted to collect LEK data. Along with perceiving an overall decline (p