COS 82-10
Towards an improved understanding of community-based monitoring: Lessons from the Wemindji Community Coastal Fisheries Program, James Bay, northern Quebec, Canada
Community-based monitoring (CBM) is widely acclaimed as a way to facilitate the increased participation of local communities in the conservation and management of natural resources. This study sought to identify criteria for the design and implementation of culturally appropriate monitoring programs that support knowledge inputs, and traditional lifestyle choices, of indigenous resource users. To achieve this, the experience gained from an established subsistence fisheries monitoring program by the Cree Nation of Wemindji, located on the eastern shores of James Bay in the Canadian subarctic, was documented with particular attention to local Cree perspectives. Monitoring records spanning 23 years were analyzed to identify trends in resource harvesting for the six coastal fishing camps supported by the program. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were also undertaken with Cree fishing families and community members during a portion of the summer 2012 fishing season. These provided insight into the dynamics and on-the-ground experience of local monitoring and harvesting activities.
Results/Conclusions
The study compiled a complete record of 23 years of monitoring data from various sources. Interviews with local fishermen confirmed a decline in subsistence fish catches over the years for all six fishing camp locations. Program participants attributed input variations (e.g. level of fishing effort, timing and duration of program, and gill net mesh size), and personal/family responsibilities (e.g. alternative wage employment and declining interest amongst youth) as contributing factors to reduced catch numbers. Annual program reports classified the local fishery as sustainable based on the mature catch being greater or equal to 50%. Recommendations from the study include: changes in program administration at the local and regional levels; clarification and expansion of program objectives; increased educational and employment opportunities; and improved feedback to fishing families on findings from the monitoring program.
This study provides insights into the operation of a sustained long-term locally implemented monitoring program. Our findings are relevant to local and regional Cree aspirations for enhanced resource and environmental monitoring capacity in the context of ongoing, recently established and emergent protected areas and resource development projects. The lessons learned can also inform the establishment of more culturally appropriate CBM programs elsewhere.