HOME

Documenting historical trends

By understanding the past, one can glimpse the future. In PCRA work, possibilities for potential productive uses are usually revealed in discussions of past practices and productivity. Since many areas already suffer from overfishing and, consequently, depressed total catch levels, the only real indication of maximum possible economic yield comes from past experience when overfishing was not yet a problem. By understanding the ways habitats have changed over time, such as the years and extent in which mangroves have been cleared or reefs have been blasted, one can better understand the present condition of coastal habitats.

The methods used to document the past center around storytelling or "pakikipagkuwentuhan." All that is required is a knowledgeable local person who feels free to reminisce about the way things were in years gone by as well as discuss more recent conditions and events. Ask the local stakeholder not only about what happened in the past, but also about why he or she thinks it happened the way it did. This often generates insights into what the current constraints are, e.g., an increase in population led to overfishing, or rapid land clearing for agriculture resulted in siltation.

It is important to draw out qualifications and quantitative information regarding historical trends and their causes. Whenever possible, ask the local consultant to be specific about years and numbers. Fish harvest information is most useful when presented in units of kg per fisher per day. Relatively good indications of decline in fishery productivity can be attained by asking consultants to report the average catch per day in the past and the present, compare the situation then and now, and then comment on reasons why the apparent declien has occurred.

It is useful to conduct this exercise repeatedly over the course of the assessment as the opinions of local consultants can evolve and/or become more detailed as the other methods are applied. The results of documenting historical trends usually serve as key starting points for the identification and discussion of problems and opportunities for CRM during the production of the coastal area profile.

See also Drawing calendar or transect diagrams

This website was made possible through support provided by the USAID under the terms of Contract No. AID 492-0444-C-00-6028-00. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID. As long as proper reference is made to the source, articles may be quoted or reproduced in any form for non-commercial, non-profit purposes to advance the cause of marine environmental management and conservation.