Local fishers experience can contribute to a better knowledge of marine resources in the Western Mediterranean Sea

In this study we explore fishers’ perceptions in the Ebro Delta area, Western Mediterranean, throughout structured questionnaires. Specifically, compare coherence of information provided by fishers with those resulting scientific studies terms status demersal marine resources area; describe temporal trends key species area perceptions; and use Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) as an alternative data sources to reduce gap knowledge on spatial distribution sensitive vulnerable benthic species. Our results document important changes bottom trawling activity abundance commercial time according perceptions. mostly match quantitative from national statistics stock assessment analyses. addition, presence Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) due by-catch habitat forming time. According perceptions, occur but were more frequently captured incidentally 1980 s 1990 s. Overall, our evidences that fisher’s perception represents source complementary fisheries characteristics long-term target Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, it highlights LEK can provide fundamental additional ecosystem be a useful tool increase