Fishing beyond the surface: Harnessing local ecological knowledge to improve local fisheries management and conservation

In coastal regions undergoing substantial changes due to human activities and environmental shifts, the scarcity of data and resources poses a serious challenge for managing and conservating marine communities. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) from fishers can contribute in various ways, complementing limited scientific data and providing insights into species trends, habitat preferences, and fishing patterns, all of which are essential for effective management in data-scarce regions. Here, local ecological knowledge of fishers is applied to investigate temporal trends of key demersal and benthopelagic species in Viana do Castelo, northern Portugal. Through 88 interviews with professionals (n = 57) and recreational fishers (n = 31), the research explored the spatial distribution of fishing activity, target species, habitat preferences, and species interactions. This study aims to address gaps in regional ecological studies by providing fisheries and ecological data. The results provided valuable insights into the local fishery, such as distinct seabed preferences: 67 % of professional fishers favoured rocky seabeds, while 81 % of recreational fishers preferred mixed areas. Additionally, 98 % of professional fishers reported a decrease in Octopus vulgaris , compared to 58 % of recreational fishers. These findings highlight temporal species patterns—such as the observed declines in key species—and local perceptions of ecological changes. The study further identified areas of concentrated fishing activity, offering critical insights into the spatial dynamics of the Viana do Castelo fishery. These findings can inform management strategies, such as targeted conservation measures or habitat protection efforts, ensuring the sustainability of this vital regional resource. By integrating fishers' LEK into the research process, scientists and stakeholders can comprehensively understand the fishery in the study, facilitating the development of sustainable management strategies that balance conservation goals and the livelihoods of fishing communities. Ultimately, the LEK results contribute to a deeper understanding of the local fishery and ecosystem, providing a robust foundation for current and future research in fisheries and ecology.