Combining Local Ecological Knowledge (<scp>LEK</scp>) and Conventional Scientific Knowledge (<scp>CSK</scp>) for Exploring Nursery Grounds and Spawning Biology of Yellowtail Catfish <i>Pangasius pangasius</i> in the Meghna River Estuary, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The yellowtail catfish ( Pangasius pangasius ) population in Bangladesh is facing imminent threats that led to endangered status. We used conventional scientific knowledge (CSK) and local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers ( n = 155) to identify nursery grounds and spawning seasons of yellowtail catfish in the Meghna river estuary. Nineteen nursery grounds were pinpointed using fishers' LEK (confluence/influent zone, current, depth, catch data, and turbidity) and later validated by CPUE data. The peak spawning season was identified in July–September based on GSI (gonadosomatic index) and LEK (58.06% of fishers identified the spawning season). Fecundity (810,980 ± 455,679) and condition factor (0.94–1.52) were quantified with CSK. Using CSK and LEK to delineate nursery grounds and spawning season underscores the value of LEK as a tool for fish population management that deserves policy recommendation and wider application.