Checking the changes over time and the impacts of COVID-19 on cockle (Cerastoderma edule) small-scale fisheries in Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon, Portugal

Historical information on cockle landings and studies on local knowledge on cockle fishing, zoology, and ecology in the Ria de Aveiro remain incomplete. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the current conditions of artisanal fisheries in Europe, understanding the dynamics of this activity has become even more necessary. Therefore, this case study sought to investigate the changes that have taken place in recent cockle fishing decades and verify the degree of contentment of these fishers with the rules for cockle fishing during the current pandemic period. LEK showed a downward trend in cockle stock on a time scale of around 60 years. Members of these fishing villages have not experienced the shifting baseline syndrome. This traditional fishery proved susceptible to the intense fishing effort, increased fishers, decreased commercial-sized adult individuals, and increased incidence of biotoxins and diseases in the cockle. Fishers were not content with the measures and circumstances imposed on cockle fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021. The main points related to the discontent were about income and government financial support to fishers. Synergistic initiatives covering all those involved with the cockle bioresource are essential for the sustainability of this resource of great socio-ecological importance for the Iberian Peninsula. Health efforts and governance are also recommended for the optimal functioning of this fishery during the pandemic period. The application of policies and rules coming from participatory governance can be a way for greater acceptance by fishers and better management of bivalve fisheries in the Ria de Aveiro lagoon.