ENS 301.02: Looking at the importance of fisheries restoration practices in the Great Lakes

Introduction

Fisheries restoration is a critical component of environmental conservation efforts in ecosystems like the Great Lakes, where fish populations have been significantly impacted by factors such as overfishing, habitat loss, invasive species, and pollution. As awareness of sustainable practices grows, understanding local fishermen's perceptions is crucial for creating effective restoration strategies that support both the environment and local livelihoods. This research explores the role of sustainable conservation, public policy, and community involvement in efforts to restore fisheries in the Great Lakes region, specifically in Bay City, MI.

Literature Review

Habitat Degradation and Overfishing

Habitat degradation and overfishing are major issues for the Great Lakes fisheries. Restoration efforts are complicated by competing interests, regulatory frameworks, and urbanization. While integrated, community-involved approaches are critical for progress, political and economic pressures often lead to hasty, less effective restoration strategies (McClenachan et al., 2015; Simenstad et al., 2005). These challenges directly affect fishermen, whose perspectives may conflict with policymakers, making resolution difficult.

Connections

Fisheries conservation requires understanding the connections between societal perspectives, environmental viewpoints, and policies. Societal views, especially among younger people, significantly impact restoration efforts. Young individuals, with limited exposure to fishing, may see it as a risky venture with limited rewards, hindering the recruitment of new advocates (Power et al., 2014). The perception of fishing as a risky industry poses challenges for restoration, with the broader issues of climate change, governance, and economic pressures taking precedence.

Restoration Strategies

Effective restoration strategies must address climate change, government subsidies, and illegal fishing. Michigan and the Great Lakes region face challenges supporting sustainable practices, with some policies encouraging overfishing or unsustainable methods (Kelman, 2020). The growing demand for fish and illegal fishing further complicate restoration efforts. Balancing public and private interests adds layers of complexity, leading to faster but less thoughtful approaches to restoration.

Tourism

Tourism complicates fisheries restoration by prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term ecological health. Local communities may favor tourism over sustainable fisheries, hindering conservation efforts. As noted, “the ‘either fisheries or tourism’ approach is unlikely to produce sustainable industry or communities” (Power et al., 2014, p. 7). Addressing the needs of fishermen, tourism, and new advocates is crucial for achieving a sustainable transition in fisheries restoration.

Policies

Environmental law often prioritizes forestry restoration over fisheries, despite both being vital for native species. Environmental policies define the boundaries for restoration, influencing sustainable timelines (Lam, 2012). Recognizing land history and laws is essential for addressing the challenges of fisheries restoration in the Great Lakes.

Theoretical Framework

Ostrom's Socio-Ecological Systems (SES)

The best theoretical framework for this research is Ostrom's Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) Theory, which analyzes the complex relationships between ecological environments and human communities. It highlights the interconnectedness of social and ecological dynamics, allowing for an examination of how resource use and management affect both the environment and communities. Key concepts in this theory include Social-Ecological system, resource systems, governance systems, users, adaptive capacity, collective action, feedback mechanisms, and ecosystem services (Figure 1).

This concept refers to the interdependent relationship between social (human) and ecological (environmental) components. Resource systems are the ecosystems that provide goods and services, like fish populations in the Great Lakes. Governance systems include the rules and institutions that guide decision-making and resource management. The users in this research are local fishermen who rely on the resource systems for their livelihoods. Adaptive capacity refers to the community’s ability to adapt to changes, like climate change or changing fishing regulations. Collective action is the cooperation among fishermen to achieve common goals, such as sustainable fishing practices. Feedback mechanisms describe how changes in one part of the system can influence other parts, creating cycles of interaction. Finally, ecosystem services are the benefits provided by ecosystems, such as healthy fish populations, that support human well-being

(Figure 1. Key Concepts)

Research Question

What are the perceptions of local fishermen in the Bay City area on sustainable fisheries restoration practices in the Great Lakes?

Justification: Understanding local fishermen’s perceptions is essential as they have firsthand experience with the fisheries, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Involving them in the process promotes community engagement, which is crucial for the long-term success of sustainability initiatives. This research will explore the interconnected aspects of sustainability, science, economics, and community perspectives, highlighting that including fishermen’s views can lead to more effective and inclusive strategies that benefit both the environment and the local economy

References

Lam, M. E. (2012). Of Fish and Fishermen: Shifting Societal Baselines to Reduce Environmental Harm in Fisheries. Ecology and Society, 17(4). http://www.jstor.org/stable/26269233

Simenstad, C., Tanner, C., Crandell, C., White, J., & Cordell, J. (2005). Challenges of Habitat Restoration in a Heavily Urbanized Estuary: Evaluating the Investment. Journal of Coastal Research, 6–23. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25736612

McClenachan, L., Lovell, S., & Keaveney, C. (2015). Social benefits of restoring historical ecosystems and fisheries: alewives in Maine. Ecology and Society, 20(2). http://www.jstor.org/stable/26270197

Power, N. G., Norman, M. E., & Dupré, K. (2014). “The fishery went away”: The impacts of long-term fishery closures on young people’s experience and perception of fisheries employment in Newfoundland coastal communities. Ecology and Society, 19(3). http://www.jstor.org/stable/26269596

Kelman, J. H. C. (2020). Why Climate Change and State Subsidies Will Collide to Create Fishery Conflict. Journal of Strategic Security, 13(4), 96–108. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26965520

Francis, G. (1986). Great Lakes governance and the ecosystem approach: where next? Alternatives, 13(3), 61–70. http://www.jstor.org/stable/45030485

Bocking, S. (1997). Fishing the Inland Seas: Great Lakes research, fisheries management, and environmental policy in Ontario. Environmental History, 2(1), 52–73. https://doi.org/10.2307/3985561

Brenden, T. O., Brown, R. W., Ebener, M. P., Reid, K., & Newcomb, T. J. (2013). Great Lakes commercial fisheries: historical overview and prognoses for the future. In W. W. TAYLOR, A. J. LYNCH, & N. J. LEONARD (Eds.), Great Lakes Fisheries Policy and Management: A Binational Perspective (pp. 339–398). Michigan State University Press. https://doi.org/10.14321/j.ctt7ztc19.15

Chiarappa, M. J. (2005). Great Lakes commercial fishing architecture: the endurance and transformation of a region’s landscape/waterscape. Perspectives in Vernacular Architecture, 10, 217–232. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3514350

Szylvian, K. M. (2004). Transforming Lake Michigan into the “world’s greatest fishing hole”: the environmental politics of Michigan’s Great Lakes sport fishing, 1965-1985. Environmental History, 9(1), 102–127. https://doi.org/10.2307/3985947

(F24) ENS301-02 #8 Madilyn (Responses)

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