A cultural consensus analysis of marine ecological knowledge in the Solomon Islands

Scientific interest in “local” or “traditional” marine knowledge and its applications in fishery and resource management have fostered linkages between the fields of marine biology and cultural anthropology. Ethnographic techniques are useful for investigating local knowledge structures, but these methods are time-consuming. In partial remedy, this paper promotes the technique of cultural consensus analysis. This Solomon Island case study focuses on ecological knowledge regarding the Arnavon Marine Conservation Area (AMCA) and marine areas that are not officially regulated (gazetted). Study respondents reside in the Isabel Island communities of Poro, Guguha, Kia and Allardyce. Results confirm that there are two bodies of marine ecological knowledge for the marine areas in question with two compatible sets of “culturally correct” answers to the ecological propositions of interest. Findings have potential value in the Solomon Island marine protected area context for their significance with regards to communication, resource assessment, human resources, and resource management. Cultural consensus analysis promises to be of methodological value to marine protected area and fishery managers elsewhere, and can support a variety of management and conservation endeavors attuned to the ideal of sustainable development.