Local knowledge, social identity and conflicts around traditional marine salmon fisheries – A case from Mid-Norway

Abstract

Natural and cultural diversity is gaining wider global recognition as the key to sustainable development. This article looks at the challenges of conserving marine biocultural diversity by investigating the unique heritage of marine salmon fisheries through a case study of a small group of marine fisheries in Norway, still fishing for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. Tight relationships between declining natural resources and daily struggles to keep cultural heritage alive are highlighted through theoretical perspectives of social identity and local ecological knowledge. The theoretical lens of social identity contributes to better understanding tensions between scientific and local knowledge by bringing forward social categorisation, polarisation and power relations as drivers of conflicts. Involvement of local communities and respect for their cultural heritage, knowledge and practices can assist in more effective management and governance of multifunctional biocultural landscapes, and contribute to their resilience and adaptability.