SNOOK FISHING IN THE BERTIOGA CHANNEL (SP): LOCAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND INTERACTIONS BETWEEN DIFFERENT FISHING MODALITIES

Abstract

Snooks (Centropomidae) are the target of artisanal and recreational fishing in coastal communities in Brazil, being captured for consumption, commerce, and leisure. Considering its ecological and economic importance, management measures and conservation policies are fundamental. This work analyzed the snooks fishing in Canal de Bertioga (SP), the local ecological knowledge and the interactions between the fishing modalities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 164 recreational and 21 artisanal fishermen. The importance of snooks for activities that generate employment, income and leisure has been proven. Live baits are the most used, mainly shrimp, provided by local fishermen. Although recreational fishermen's knowledge of fishing legislation deserves greater attention, local ecological knowledge about snooks can be used in conservation actions. Aiming at the conservation of the environment and snooks, it is urgent to implement monitoring and ordering measures of fishing activities in the Bertioga Channel, considering more in-depth ecological and socioeconomic research, capable of promoting the establishment of more effective socio-environmental public policies.