Fish aggregating known as moita, an artisanal fishing technique performed in the Munim river, State of Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract

This study offers a description of a fish aggregating technique known as moita, which is a traditional fishing method practiced by riverine communities in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Fishermen place natural materials (branches, twigs and leaves) from the riparian vegetation into the river, which attract different species of fish. After several months, a barrier is created around the moita, the branches are removed and the fishes that have colonized the structure are caught with a net.