Integrating scientific, local, and indigenous knowledge to reduce the impacts of seaweed aquaculture in the south of Chile.

MARTINEZ CURCI NATALIA; VERGARA V; BISCARRA G; ESTEVEZ R; ROMERO P; JUAN G NAVEDO

Congreso; 9na reunión del grupo de aves playeras del hemisferio occidental; 2022

Chiloé hosts almost the entire Alaskan population of Limosa haemastica. One of the most important sites for this species is Bahía Caulín, where shorebird feeding times coincide, spatially and temporally, with activities associated with seaweed aquaculture. We employed a socioecological approach to assess the interactions between these activities and shorebirds to find solutions that balance the ecological requirements with the economic needs of local communities. We used experimental approaches and field observations to assess the effects of seaweed farming and harvesting on shorebirds’ feeding. We conducted semi-structured interviews to characterize the aquaculture activities, local knowledge about birds and their interest in conserving them, identifying similarities between conservation interests and those of the communities. We are currently working to reach round table agreements with the recently created Native Peoples´ Marine Coastal Spaces(NPMCS) Caulin, based on the mentioned joint interests. The NPMCS is an instrument based on territorial rights that seeks to protect the ways of life of indigenous peoples, achieve sustainable resource, and coastal marine territory management. This instrument offers an opportunity to incorporate shorebird conservation in its governance, promoting shorebird-friendly seaweed aquaculture.