Ferramentas de construção do conhecimento ecológico local: o que saber para pescar melhor?

Abstract

This study aimed to identify determinants in the formation of local ecological knowledge (LEK) of artisanal marine fishermen on the main exploited coastal resources, and the influence of this knowledge on fishing productivity. For this purpose, semi-structured forms were applied with 71 artisanal fishermen from three fishing communities in the Northeast of Brazil, using the accidental approach methodology. Based on the fishermen's responses on the biology and ecology of the exploited resources added to questions on personal experience of each informant, the main categories of LEK were classified. This base was worked on to indicate the profile of fishermen with the highest probability of knowing the life history and behavior of the resources and who would potentially generate a greater catch, thereby increasing efficiency in fishing. The results indicate that the experience of the fisherman, taking as an indicator the amount of years dedicated to commercial fishing activities, as well as the quality of the LEK on exploited resources, highlighting knowledge about migration, significantly affect the productivity of marine artisanal fisheries. We suggest that fisheries conservation and management strategies should consider the drivers of the LEK for fishermen to have greater potential for success.