Local knowledge on a cosmopolitan fish Ethnoecology of Pomatomus saltatrix (Pomatomidae) in Brazil and Australia

This study describes and analyses the local knowledge held by Brazilian and Australian fishers about the ecology (feeding habits, habitats, migratory movements), and the reproduction of Pomatomus saltatrix (Pomatomidae), which is an important fish species to artisanal fishers from both countries. It aims to address differences and similarities between information provided by the two groups of fishers, comparing such information with published biological data about this fish species. Data were, obtained interviewing fishers using standardized questionnaires. The surveyed coastal fishers were the caicaras from Buzios Island, at the southeastern Brazilian coast (Atlantic Ocean) and the aborigines (indigenous Australians) from North Stradbroke Island in the Moreton Bay, eastern Australian coast (Pacific Ocean). We interviewed, respectively. 39 and 18 fishers in Buzios and in North Stradbroke Island. The information provided by the fishers included differences between them with respect to habitat preferences and time of reproduction of P. saltatrix. Such differences may be due to environmental differences between the two sites. as well as to inter-population variations in reproductive peaks of this fish species. However. both groups of fishers mentioned similar feeding habitats and migratory movements of P saltatrix, suggesting general patterns. Local ecological knowledge held by both groups agrees with available scientific literature about this fish species, providing hypotheses to be investigated through biological research. The present survey highlights some contributions that Brazilian and Australian fishers' local knowledge may give to local management of P saltatrix. such as to improve scientific knowledge and to promote cooperation and dialogue between fishers and scientists. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.