Convergência de conhecimentos para a conservação pesqueira: diálogos entre percepção local, monitoramento participativo e literatura científica a partir de dimensões biológicas de peixes amazônicos

Abstract

Fisheries management in the Amazon still faces major challenges due to the scarcity and fragmentation of biological data, underscoring the need to integrate diverse sources of information. Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK), built through fishers’ long-term observation and experience, provides valuable insights into population dynamics, behavior, and speciesspecific catch patterns. This study combined LEK, fish landing records, and biological parameters from the literature to evaluate the conservation status of small-scale fisheries in the middle Tapajós River (Pará). Capture size (CAP) estimates provided by experienced fishers (n = 27) were compared with landing records (n = 1441) and biological reference values (L₅₀ and TM), and a Capture Potential Index (IPC) was proposed. LEK showed high correspondence with empirical landing data and scientific references, supporting its reliability and usefulness in co-management contexts. Mean capture sizes ranged from 33 to 75 cm. Large catfishes, such as Dourada (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii) and Filhote (B. filamentosum), were frequently captured below L₅₀, indicating growth overfishing, while smaller species were generally harvested near Lmax. IPC values were lowest for Pescada (42%), Filhote (45%), and Dourada (48%), intermediate for Pacus (50%), and highest for Tucunarés (60%), Aracu (72%), and Jaraqui (75%), suggesting a possible Fishing Down process. Overall, the findings highlight LEK as a realistic and valuable empirical data source to support participatory management practices, including the definition of minimum capture sizes, community-based monitoring, and the strengthening of fisheries co-management in the Amazon.