Advancing Indigenous involvement in ocean monitoring through meaningful engagement and building true partnerships

The advancement of Indigenous involvement in ocean monitoring through meaningful engagement and true partnerships are crucial for long-term monitoring and stronger data outcomes. Coastal Indigenous communities hold unique knowledge systems of the ocean, derived from generations of living in harmony with marine ecosystems. This knowledge includes local and traditional ecological knowledge (LEK and TEK) and Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), forming the basis of localized sustainable management strategies, including for coastal fisheries. Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), an initiative of the University of Victoria, Canada, is an ocean science and technology organization, which operates and manages ocean monitoring programs located in coastal, deep-ocean, and Arctic environments. ONC strives to build meaningful, long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities which enable the successful integration of Indigenous practices into ocean monitoring. Our approach involves bridging scientific, local, and Indigenous monitoring methods to achieve a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems. By combining TEK, LEK, and IK systems, we can improve decision-making in environmental and resource governance. Indigenous monitoring methods, which are often qualitative and cost-effective, complement scientific approaches by providing valuable insights that traditional science may overlook. Through active engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities, we can develop co-management strategies tailored to their socio-ecological systems, ensuring their crucial role in understanding marine ecosystem values and risks. By treating Indigenous communities as true partners in research and governance processes, we can leverage their knowledge and expertise to create more effective monitoring frameworks that benefit both communities and the environment. This inclusive approach is vital for regions where Indigenous territorial rights and governing autonomy are increasingly recognized, leading towards a more sustainable and equitable future for ocean monitoring.