Fellow Project: Harmony in the Waters--Integrating Local and Indigenous Knowledge for Resilient Fisheries Amidst Anthropogenic Challenges in South Florida
Learn about the research of Sophia Costa, a 2024 Diverse Knowledge Systems Fellow.
Fellow Information
- Sophia Costa, Florida International University
- Fellowship: 2024 Diverse Knowledge Systems Fellow
- Mentor: Bonnie Myers, National CASC
Project Summary
Marine and estuarine ecosystems are experiencing significant changes from the intensifying effects of global climate change and anthropogenic impacts, which is leading to rapid alteration in habitats that are critically impacting fish populations in South Florida. These changes in the ecosystem have created an urgent need for immediate management strategies for the conservation of local fish populations, which often leads to difficult decision-making processes due to complex social-ecological systems in fisheries management. Although Florida’s management strategies have traditionally concentrated on ecological factors, there is a pressing need to expand the focus to include social considerations and integrate more social-ecological management approaches. This project aims to assess the effects of climate change on fish populations in South Florida by integrating underutilized knowledge systems from fishing guides and indigenous tribes. Through semi-structured interviews, this project seeks to understand the historical and contemporary dynamics of fish populations, their cultural significance, and perceived climate change impacts. Upon completion of these interviews, an analysis will be conducted to identify themes across responses to create an indicator tool that is specifically designed to assist fisheries managers in prioritizing fish species and their habitats based on their ecological resilience, cultural importance, and perceived vulnerability to climate change.
Learn about the research of Sophia Costa, a 2024 Diverse Knowledge Systems Fellow.
Fellow Information
- Sophia Costa, Florida International University
- Fellowship: 2024 Diverse Knowledge Systems Fellow
- Mentor: Bonnie Myers, National CASC
Project Summary
Marine and estuarine ecosystems are experiencing significant changes from the intensifying effects of global climate change and anthropogenic impacts, which is leading to rapid alteration in habitats that are critically impacting fish populations in South Florida. These changes in the ecosystem have created an urgent need for immediate management strategies for the conservation of local fish populations, which often leads to difficult decision-making processes due to complex social-ecological systems in fisheries management. Although Florida’s management strategies have traditionally concentrated on ecological factors, there is a pressing need to expand the focus to include social considerations and integrate more social-ecological management approaches. This project aims to assess the effects of climate change on fish populations in South Florida by integrating underutilized knowledge systems from fishing guides and indigenous tribes. Through semi-structured interviews, this project seeks to understand the historical and contemporary dynamics of fish populations, their cultural significance, and perceived climate change impacts. Upon completion of these interviews, an analysis will be conducted to identify themes across responses to create an indicator tool that is specifically designed to assist fisheries managers in prioritizing fish species and their habitats based on their ecological resilience, cultural importance, and perceived vulnerability to climate change.