| dc.description.abstract | Marine ecosystems are increasingly affected by climate change, understanding impacts, how they might change, or the role they will play in system adaptation is key to protecting the overall marine environment and broader marine socio-ecological systems. The Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is known for its recreational activities and fisheries, where local identities and ways of life are closely tied to the ocean. The seafloor provides the foundation for many of these activities and is an important factor in determining how people use various areas. This study explored how local recreational and commercial users of coastal and marine spaces engage with and understand the seafloor, through interviews with different user groups. Maps were used to elicit knowledge, and tie observations of place to use and change. Participants spoke about the seafloor structure, composition, features, and species, which varied depending on their purposes, as well as observed changes to marine and coastal environments. The results of this study can contribute to a richer, holistic understanding of the seafloor, as well as how local users experience change. This knowledge can inform decision-making on the Eastern Shore and demonstrates the value of incorporating different ways of knowing, including localized, place-based, and experiential knowledge into marine management.
Keywords: seafloor, benthic ecosystems, Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, local knowledge, experiential knowledge, place-based knowledge, recreational use, commercial use, coastal and marine change, holistic management. | en_US |
