Navigating the Anthropocene: Local Ecological Knowledge and the Future of Fisheries in Croatia

In the context of the Anthropocene, where human impact on ecosystems is profound and pervasive, understanding diverse epistemologies on which extraction is based becomes crucial for effective fisheries management. This study investigates the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) of Croatian fishers, emphasizing the interplay between socioeconomic factors, support for sustainable management tools, long-term career prospects, and concern about climate change. Acknowledging the significance of diverse epistemologies in fisheries management, we analyze how fishers perceive the overexploitation of fish species in relation to socioeconomic indicators.

Our research further examines the fishers’ views on climate change and their attitudes toward various fisheries management strategies, such as no-take zones, closed seasons, and enhanced bycatch control. By integrating these perspectives, we aim to shed light on the relationship between local ecological knowledge and the future aspirations of fishers, exploring whether they envision a sustainable career in fishing over the next five years and if they desire for their children to pursue this profession.

Our sample includes small-scale, large-scale, subsistence, and recreational fishers, allowing for a comparative analysis across different sectors. The findings are based on a survey of 550 fishers conducted as part of the project “Sustainable fishing: social relations, identity and co-management of Adriatic fishery resources”, funded by the Croatian Science Foundation. This research contributes valuable insights into the role of local knowledge in promoting sustainable fisheries management and supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities in Europe and in the Mediterranean.