Indigenous Systems of Management for Culturally and Ecologically Resilient Pacific Salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) Fisheries. (9th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Atlas, William I; Ban, Natalie C; Moore, Jonathan W; Tuohy, Adrian M; Greening, Spencer; Reid, Andrea J; Morven, Nicole; White, Elroy; Housty, William G; Housty, Jess A; Service, Christina N; Greba, Larry; Harrison, Sam; Sharpe, Ciara; Butts, Katherine I R; Shepert, William M; Sweeney-Bergen, Elissa; Macintyre, Donna; Sloat, Matthew R; Connors, Katrina
• Is Part Of: BioScience. Volume 71:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 186
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2020-12-09
• Subjects: traditional knowledge -- salmon -- sustainable fisheries -- mixed-stock fisheries -- Indigenous governance; Life sciences -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- United States -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology industries -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3568

Abstract

Abstract: Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are at the center of social–ecological systems that have supported Indigenous peoples around the North Pacific Rim since time immemorial. Through generations of interdependence with salmon, Indigenous Peoples developed sophisticated systems of management involving cultural and spiritual beliefs, and stewardship practices. Colonization radically altered these social–ecological systems, disrupting Indigenous management, consolidating authority within colonial governments, and moving most harvest into mixed-stock fisheries. We review Indigenous management of salmon, including selective fishing technologies, harvest practices, and governance grounded in multigenerational place-based knowledge. These systems and practices showcase pathways for sustained productivity and resilience in contemporary salmon fisheries. Contrasting Indigenous systems with contemporary management, we document vulnerabilities of colonial governance and harvest management that have contributed to declining salmon fisheries in many locations. We suggest that revitalizing traditional systems of salmon management can improve prospects for sustainable fisheries and healthy fishing communities and identify opportunities for their resurgence.