Exploring the relationship between local ecological knowledge and technology through participant observation onboard fishing vessels

This chapter examines how fisher local ecological knowledge can be better understood through the method of participant observation onboard fishing vessels. This is a valuable approach for creating trust and generating insight into fishing techniques and technologies. It allows researchers to observe how fishers learn by doing, and how they develop their knowledge of ecosystems through deploying particular fishing methods. By drawing on the example of research into small-scale fisheries in England, the chapter demonstrates how participant observation allowed for active reflection and discussion with fishers on how traditional and modern technologies create conservation challenges, as well as how they can be resolved. Furthermore, by considering reflexivity and researcher positionality, the chapter also contributes insights on access to fishing spaces and modes of participant observation.