Bass fishing potential Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch, 1792) on the East Coast of Maranhão according to the local ecological knowledge of fishermen and traders

Abstract

The eastern coast of Maranhão has a diversity of fishing resources that have been extensively explored in recent years. Associated with the fishing activity, the traditional wisdom of fishermen and traders about the local ichthyofauna becomes fundamental for the establishment of conservation measures and the sustainability of fishing in the long term. In this context, the present study aimed to verify the ecological knowledge of fishermen and traders about the fishing potential of the snook Centropomus undecimalis in the municipality of Tutóia, state of Maranhão. For the development of this research, interviews were carried out with fishermen and traders in the study region, through the application of semi-structured questionnaires that contained open questions. In the interviews, cognitive aspects related to general aspects of fishing and the potential of sea bass were considered, as well as aspects of its dynamics and reproduction. The results revealed that the ecological knowledge of fishermen and traders constitutes a valuable tool acquired over the years and transferred between generations, the research also revealed that the interviewees indicated that the sea bass has, respectively, potential for commercial fishing, sport fishing and for cultivation.