Use of Transdiciplinary Research Methods to Prepare an Artisanal Bottom Longline Snapper Fishery for MSC Full Assessment, Bejuco, Costa Rica

In this study, fisher ecological knowledge (FEK) collected from the entire population of Bejuco bottom longline snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) fishers (N=49), located along Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific coast, was combined with the results of an analysis of seven years (2007-2013) of catch data recorded during nightly fishing activities. The results of this analysis were compiled into a series of variables which were then grouped into the following categories: Lutjanus guttatus population dynamics, bottom longline catch composition and selectivity, socio-ecological tendencies, governance.  These categories were based on the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) three core principles: sustainable fish stocks, minimizing ecosystem impact, effective management.  Individual variables were then compared to reference points identified through a review of the published literature, and the stoplight or traffic light approach was applied to each variable in order to assign easy to interpret colors based on the results of this analysis. Management recommendations were then developed for each of the variables based on their assigned colors. The implementation of these recommendations have allowed fishery managers to prepare for a full MSC assessment.