# Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) Can Guide Decision-Making in Inland Fisheries Management
## 1 Introduction  
Scientists often express reservations about the reliability of fishers' Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK). The term 'anecdotal knowledge' remains commonly used to characterize fishers' LEK, and its translation into scientific knowledge and management is still limited [1]. Consequently, fishers frequently assert that their LEK needs to be acknowledged, challenging the scientific information that serves as the foundation for fishery policy and management decisions [2]. However, fishers' LEK is gaining recognition, as a valuable complement to Conventional Scientific Knowledge (CSK). CSK which is obtained and interpreted following scientific methodologies, conceptual models, and hypotheses finds enhanced efficacy when combined with fishers' LEK, proving particularly beneficial for improvement outcomes, especially in cases where scientific research is scarce in both marine and freshwater ecosystems [3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8].  
Indeed, LEK can provide valuable insights into species ecology, behavior, and population trends, as well as stocks' status, fishery production, socio-economic practices, and even the spatiotemporal dynamics, degradation, or changes in ecosystems [9; 10; 7; 11; 12]. This information is essential for developing management measures, primarily aimed at protecting and restoring fish stocks [13; 14]. However, assessing the LEK reliability for its incorporation into fishery management is of paramount importance [4; 11]. Nevertheless, the approaches employed to collect LEK often reveal dissatisfaction among locals [15]. This dissatisfaction arises from a lack of decision-making power, neglect of their interests, improperly established management practices that fail to protect fisheries resources, or a lack of trust in scientific advice. This underscores the importance of further integrating LEK into decision-making processes. Doing so can empower stakeholders, potentially increaselocal user involvement in management, conservation, and research, address long-standing conflicts, and create more inclusive processes that ensure better collective outcomes [15]. Note that the sustainability of fisheries requires, among other factors, the integration of traditional fisheries management practices and scientific information, coupled with effective information dissemination and communication among users and stakeholders. Additional crucial elements include socio-economic evaluations, education of users, marketing outreach, management plans, and informed decision analysis [16; 17].  
Inland fisheries management and research in Greece generally face low social priority and contend with inadequate research and funding. Consequently, inland fisheries suffer from inefficient data, primarily limited to the registration of professional fishes by fisheries authorities and the issuance of relevant licenses [18]. However, the existing registries, confirming activeishers in inland water systems, require updating. Additionally, reliable records of landings (annual catch quantities) are lacking, a deficiency primarily attributed to the absence of organized fish markets [18]. This data gap complicates fisheries management and poses a potential threat to the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.  
To address these gaps, the present research aimed to collect comprehensive data on the landings of professional Greek inland fisheries operating in a dam lake (Polyphytos Reservoir), alongside ecological information derived from their experiences and knowledge, and to evaluate their reliability compared to scientific data. Furthermore, the study sought to document the fishers' perspectives on fisheries management, investigating whether this information could contribute to the preservation of the fishery and serve as a complementary tool for fisheries managers.