FISHERIES ABUNDANCE OF THE LINE AND HOOK SMALL SCALE FISHERIES OF THE CENTRAL COAST OF BRAZIL.

Abstract

A challenge of the marine small-scale fisheries (SSF) that requires immediate attention is the uncertainty of how the activity affects and is affected by the changes in ecological and social dynamics. Understanding the fisheries dynamics and strategies allows not only the comprehension of fish yield seasonality but also provides subsidies for the ecosystem approach of fisheries (EAF) on the possible impacts it may cause. This study aimed to describe the fishery dynamics of the hook and line fisheries on the major stocks exploited by SSFs on the central coast of Brazil (Baixo-Sul region, Bahia). 5,092 landings by the SSF fleet were evaluated between 2004 and 2008. The main abundance index (annual and monthly average CPUE) was evaluated and compared (ANOVA and Tukey at 5%). The finding that (i) the high selectivity of hook and line and absence of bycatch and, (ii) the stability of the monthly mean CPUE indicated that the hook and line SSF in the region studied may not significant environmental impact. This result emphasizes the importance that the information generated may represent for the decision making process to confront the possible impacts and conflicts of the use of the marine coastal environment, as well as the need for the effective participation of fishers in the co-management models in the future and improve better public policies aimed at the fisherfolks. These results also contribute to the construction of co-management models based on EAF.