Fishing practices and local ecological knowledge in artisanal fisheries: Implications for elasmobranch conservation in northeastern Brazil

Small-scale fisheries operate at the intersection of food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation, yet they remain among the least monitored marine systems. This study applies an integrated socio-ecological framework to examine how fishing practices, socioeconomic vulnerability, and experiential knowledge interact to shape pressure on sharks and rays along the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with artisanal fishers across five fishing colonies, generating data on socioeconomic conditions, fishing practices, catch composition, seasonal patterns, and population perceptions. Quantitative analyses combined descriptive statistics and regression models to evaluate drivers of ecological knowledge, perceptions of decline, and species citation probability. The results reveal a vulnerable fishing sector characterized by advanced age, low educational attainment and strong economic dependence on fishing. Despite the artisanal profile of the fleet, substantial catch volumes and the widespread use of non-selective gear, sustained pressure on multiple elasmobranch taxa, including threatened species. Perceptions of declining abundance and reduced body size of elasmobranchs were nearly universal and independent of age, experience, or education. However, awareness of formal conservation status was low, revealing a gap between local observations and institutional conservation frameworks. Importantly, peak fishing activity overlapped with reported reproductive periods, suggesting heightened risks to population recovery. By integrating socioeconomic vulnerability, fishing dynamics, and local knowledge, this study provides policy-relevant evidence for data-poor fisheries. The findings highlight the need for participatory management strategies that reconcile conservation objectives with livelihood security and strengthen the implementation of Brazilian ocean policies.