Biological and socio-economic aspects of recreational fisheries and their implications for the management of coastal urban areas of south-eastern Brazil

A total of 442 anglers in a coastal region of SE Brazil were interviewed to obtain information about recreational fishing. The anglers were mature individuals (mean age approximate to 43years) with a high level of education. However, many did not have a fishing licence. Target fishes belonged to 47 species. Mean catch (Catch per unit effort - CPUE) was 4.2fish(-1)day(-1) or 488g(-1)angler(-1)day(-1). Total estimated catch in the study period was equivalent to 2% of commercial landings, indicating that recreational fishing has little impact on fish stocks. The anglers complained that fishing conditions had worsened because of environmental degradation. Catch-and-release was classified as a good' attitude despite reports of practices that caused suffering to fish. However, when asked about prohibition of catch-and-release, which is enforced in some countries, the anglers said they would not accept such a prohibition if proposed by Brazilian fishing authorities. As a general rule, issues related to animal welfare and animal rights are not discussed widely by society or by fishing authorities in Brazil. Suggestions for integrated management of coastal resources and for monitoring recreational fishing are presented.