Local ecological knowledge, governance and commercialisation in mangrove–oyster fisheries of the Gambia

Oyster harvesting within mangrove ecosystems represents a critical livelihood activity for coastal communities in the Gambia, particularly for women. This study examines governance arrangements, harvesting practices, and livelihood dynamics from the perspective of oyster harvesters. Increasing commercialisation has progressively shifted oyster harvesting from primarily subsistence-orientated use toward an important source of household income, creating new interactions among livelihood needs, resource use, and mangrove management. Using a qualitative case study approach, we interviewed 60 female oyster harvesters in two key oyster harvesting sites, the urban Tanbi Wetland complex and the rural Foni Bullock catchment area. Individual interviews, complemented by two focus group discussions, were analysed to explore interactions among ecological conditions, governance mechanisms, local ecological knowledge, and livelihood strategies. Oyster harvesting remained an important livelihood activity across both sites, with broadly comparable patterns of sole and diversified livelihood dependence. Harvesting practices were strongly shaped by local ecological knowledge of tidal cycles, seasonal variation, oyster availability, and mangrove conditions, with knowledge transmitted predominantly through families. Participants reported increasing harvesting pressure and declining oyster abundance, alongside the growing importance of formalised governance measures such as seasonal closures, harvesting restrictions, and collective monitoring. Commercialisation was reflected in changing processing practices and market interactions, although market access and governance implementation differed between the urban Tanbi and rural Foni Bullock systems. The findings highlight the need for integrated governance approaches that recognise the interconnections among ecological conditions, local ecological knowledge, community institutions, commercialisation, and gendered livelihood strategies. Strengthening community-based governance, women’s participation in decision-making, sustainable harvesting practices, and equitable access to training and markets will be important for supporting the long-term sustainability and resilience of mangrove–oyster fisheries in The Gambia.