Local ecological knowledge (LEK) is increasingly recognized as a useful source
of data for conservation and co-management of marine resources. This study
presents an analysis of the LEK of coral reef ecosystems on the island of Bequia,
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where significant increases in tourism
development are underway. Local naming systems were documented, showing
that local people have their own distinct taxonomy based on morphology, habitat
and economic value. Despite differences in the LEK of divemasters and fishers
participating in this research, both groups demonstrated an understanding of
ecosystems and environmental change in the coastal marine environment. Maps
generated by participants demonstrate a distribution of healthy coral reefs that is
absent in government and other official maps. The findings demonstrate that
Bequians whose livelihoods depend on marine resources have a sophisticated
understanding of coral reef ecosystems and the species within them that can
contribute to conservation management.