“May their knowledge be valued”

Harnessing Local Ecological Knowledge for Elasmobranch Conservation in Benin

In response to the depletion of fish stocks, coastal countries in West Africa, including Benin, have implemented seasonal fishing closures lasting one to two months. These closures not only allow fish populations to recover but also provide a unique opportunity to engage with fishers on pressing marine conservation issues. During the 2024 fishing closure, coinciding with Shark Awareness Day, we organised a one-day workshop to focus on the conservation of sharks and their relatives—collectively known as elasmobranchs.

Banner of the project inception. Photo © Houangninan Midinoudewa | BMCC

This workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including fisheries management authorities, biodiversity conservation agencies, NGOs, researchers, academics, and local fishers. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and laid the groundwork for a community-driven conservation initiative.

Discussions covered several key topics:

• The diversity of elasmobranch species inhabiting Benin’s coastal and oceanic ecosystems, as identified through 15 years of monitoring and local ecological knowledge.

Facilitator introducing the project with the project logo in background. Photo © Houangninan Midinoudewa | BMCC

Slide displaying sharks inhabiting Benin marine water. Photo © Houangninan Midinoudewa | BMCC

• Regulations governing fishing activities in Benin and the broader Gulf of Guinea region.

Slide displaying Act containing regulations of fishing activities in Benin. Photo © Houangninan Midinoudewa | BMCC

• The CITES convention and its specific rules on the trade of sharks and their relatives.

Introduction to the CITES rules by the CITES focal point adjunct. Photo © Houangninan Midinoudewa | BMCC

Participants were also introduced to the SIREN App, developed by the African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization (AMMCO) in Cameroon. This app aims to support marine biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts. A brief training session on its use was conducted by an AMMCO team member who joined online.

Introduction and training to the SIREN App. Photo © Houangninan Midinoudewa | BMCC

One of the most striking aspects of the workshop was the invaluable local ecological knowledge shared by Benin’s fishers. Their intimate understanding of marine ecosystems provides critical insights into elasmobranch behaviour and their ecological roles. For example, one fisherman highlighted the significance of sharks as indicators of nearby fish schools:

This traditional knowledge underscores the interconnectedness between sharks and other marine species and highlights how fishers rely on these natural signals for their livelihoods. By integrating this knowledge into conservation strategies, stakeholders can develop more effective and culturally relevant approaches to protecting elasmobranch populations.

View of the venue with attendees present before the official opening. Photo © Murielle Djengue | BMCC

The workshop also provided a forum to address challenges faced by local communities, such as conflicts arising from illegal fishing practices like pair bottom trawling and concerns about implementing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These discussions emphasised the need for collaborative solutions that balance ecological sustainability with the economic realities faced by fishers.

Project lead presenting the project and the global situation of elasmobranchs. Photo © Murielle Djengue | BMCC

By combining scientific research with local ecological knowledge, we are igniting innovative conservation initiatives for elasmobranchs. Engaging fishers as active participants in these efforts not only leverages their expertise but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for marine biodiversity protection.

This workshop marked an important step toward building a community-driven framework for elasmobranch conservation in Benin, one that respects both traditional knowledge and modern science.