By Loretta B Manele
Combining local wisdom with scientific methods is said to be key in creating a framework for better outputs.
Rhea Moss-Christian, Executive Director for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) spoke about this when contributing to the recent Honiara Summit on SDG 14.4 “Achieving Sustainable Fisheries”.
Speaking under Session 4: “Achieving sustainable fisheries through science”, she stressed on how traditional knowledge can be blended with scientific methods to create a balanced approach that will be more effective and bring better outputs for everyone.
In early remarks, Moss-Christian expressed that many local artisanal fisheries depend on traditional, time-tested knowledge and no one knows this better than island communities.
She added that these communities have been experiencing and living in concert with the ocean and marine environment for centuries.
Moss-Christian said listening to these community insights is just as important as high-tech monitoring.
“By combining local wisdom with scientific methods, we can create a balanced approach that will be far more effective and return better outputs for everyone.”
Moss-Christian explained that the goal is to create a framework where insights from local stakeholders are respected and combined with scientific analysis to produce actionable advice.
She said as “managers” or local stakeholders, they know that when that data comes to them, it needs to be presented in a way that they can take action.
Henceforth, as stated, this is where the platforms that support that interaction and dialogue between scientists and managers is absolutely necessary for bridging gaps between science and policy.
She said this means setting up mechanisms to create regular and structured dialogues whilst ensuring that actions are agreed and based on the best available science.
“When that scientific advice is presented in clear, actionable terms, it becomes a powerful tool for decision makers.”
She also took the opportunity to share her experience in the WCPFC.
Moss-Christian said from their experience, interface between scientists and policy makers has been key to timely and effective management decisions.
“We benefit from the deep experience and knowledge of the scientists in the Pacific community, who, through the strength and contributions of the Pacific Island countries and territories in this region, that have been collecting and submitting and now analysing data for decades, continues to form the basis of management in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.”
Moss-Christian said the WCPFC is committed to adopting rigorous, scientific-driven, and ecosystem-based management practices.
She stated that the success stories of fisheries management across the globe demonstrate that when science is prioritized, sustainable outcomes follow.
Moss-Christian voiced that whether this is through detailed assessments in data-rich fisheries, or adaptive, community-informed approaches in data-poor contexts, robust scientific advice is the cornerstone of effective management.
“If we can continue to foster that ongoing dialogue between scientists and policy makers, and invest in the product of research and future talent in our young people, we will build a resilient future for fisheries everywhere.”
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