Open AccessIntegrating Expert Perceptions into Food Web Conservation and Management
Author(s) -
Stier Adrian C.,
Samhouri Jameal F.,
Gray Steven,
Martone Rebecca G.,
Mach Megan E.,
Halpern Benjamin S.,
Kappel Carrie V.,
Scarborough Courtney,
Levin Phillip S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12245
Subject(s) - perception , context (archaeology) , sustainability , herring , food web , environmental resource management , function (biology) , resource (disambiguation) , diversity (politics) , geography , knowledge management , computer science , ecology , fishery , psychology , sociology , fish <actinopterygii> , environmental science , biology , ecosystem , computer network , archaeology , neuroscience , evolutionary biology , anthropology
Abstract Decision‐makers often rely on expert knowledge, especially in complex and data‐poor social‐ecological systems (SESs). However, expert knowledge and perceptions of SES structure and function vary; therefore, understanding how these perceptions differ is critical to building knowledge and developing sustainability solutions. Here, we quantify how scientific, local, and traditional knowledge experts vary in their perceptions of food webs centered on Pacific herring—a valuable ecological, economic, and cultural resource in Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada. Expert perceptions of the herring food web varied markedly in structure, and a simulated herring recovery with each of these unique mental models demonstrated wide variability in the perceived importance of herring to the surrounding food web. Using this general approach to determine the logical consequences of expert perceptions of SES structure in the context of potential future management actions, decision‐makers can work explicitly toward filling knowledge gaps while embracing a diversity of perspectives.