The fishing of live-baits in the Fernando de Noronha’s Archipelago (PE, Brazil)

Abstract

Artisanal fishing in Fernando de Noronha is directly related to bait fishing, as fishermen depends on it to catch larger fish. This work aimed to characterize the bait fishing in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in relation to the fish species used as baits, their capture methods and destination. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured questionnaires with the aid of the “snowball” technique. Data were qualitatively and quantitatively formed, seeking to represent the consensus among the interviewed informants. Sixty-nine bait fishermen were interviewed, whom use sardines (Harengula clupeola) and garapau (Decapterus macarellus) as their main targets, in embarked or landed fisheries. Sardines are the most exploited bait, caught with casting nets, being kept alive in modified compartments on boats known as “nursery”, or in buckets with water in the case of disembarked fishermen. Garapau fishery happens when fishermen are unable to catch sardines, they use hand line during dark nights and also kept alive in nurseries. Some factors interfere on the capture of baits, such as the restriction areas which, according to the fishermen, can harm the fishing activity and, consequently, the fishermen's income and supply of local demands. Information on the biology and ecology of the baits used is scarce, which makes it essential to develop studies that guide management measures for an effective knowledge of these resources.