Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00630-3 and Ethnomedicine REVIEW Open Access Ethnobotanical contributions to global fishing communities: a review Jimlea Nadezhda Mendoza1,2*, Natalia Hanazaki1,3, Baiba Prūse4, Agnese Martini5, Maria Viktoria Bittner5, Sophia Kochalski6, Edison Macusi7, Aimee Ciriaco2,8, Giulia Mattalia9,10 and Renata Sõukand1 Abstract Background Ethnobotanical knowledge about the role of plants in fisheries provides valuable ecological information vital for sustainable management of local resources; however, it is diluted and understudied globally. This literature review aims to map the knowledge of plant use within traditional fishing communities. Methods Through the PRISMA method, we identified and selected 34 articles reporting the use of plants in fisheries, and including 344 taxa of plants and algae. Uses of plants and algae were grouped into different categories. Results In the novel categorization of fishery-related uses we proposed, the most mentioned were for fishing and building/repair of fishing artifacts and habitat-related uses, while the records of plants related to fiber uses, pro- viding aid in fishing management and species causing problems, were among the least mentioned. Semi-structured interview is most commonly used with local resource users, especially fishery experts, in exploring perceptions on plant use within traditional fishing communities. Diversity was high in all the recorded families, but most were reported locally. Conclusion Ethnobotanical studies with fishers are not common in the documented literature but they provide a large number of use reports. On the basis this review, in most of the world, the information is of a casual and spo- radic nature. Fishers can provide information on aquatic plants and algae that create problems and aid in fishing man- agement, which are crucial in understanding the ecosystem of a region experiencing environmental challenges. This knowledge is greatly understudied globally and undergoing a rapid decline, as highlighted in several of the reviewed articles. Thus, further systematic research on fishery-related uses of plants by fisherfolk is needed considering its potential contribution to the sustainable management of fishery resources. Keywords Local ecological knowledge, Fisherfolk, Traditional ecological knowledge, Traditional fisheries knowledge, Ethnobiology, Plant uses, Traditional plant knowledge, Indigenous plant knowledge 6 *Correspondence: CRETUS, Department of Applied Economics, University of Santiago de Jimlea Nadezhda Mendoza Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain 7 874061@stud.unive.it Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Davao Oriental State University, 1 Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’ Mati, Philippines 8 Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy Kabulusan Integrated National High School, Pakil, Laguna, Philippines 2 9 Tagalog Fisher Community of Mabato Asufre Pangil, Pangil, Laguna, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, Universitat Autònoma de Philippines Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain 3 10 Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa New York Botanical Garden, New York, USA Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil 4 Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 5 Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy © The Author(s) 2023. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecom- mons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data. Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 2 of 24 Introduction climate change-related challenges and variability could Artisanal fisheries are widespread across the globe, with be solved using traditional indigenous knowledge, as regional particularities and differences, and the diversity the local people observing these issues are among the and use of natural resources related to this activity usu- first ones to adapt to them because they depend on bio- ally depends on their local availability. Traditional fish- diversity for their livelihood. However, many practices ery knowledge, as other forms of traditional ecological concerning plant species disappeared from daily activi- knowledge (TEK), has evolved over the millennia, and is ties, especially those related to traditional fishing [28] based “on the use of natural materials for construction of For instance, a decrease in traditional ethnobotanical tools, vessels and equipment,” as well as the “observations fishery knowledge has been reported along the Western of weather patterns, sea conditions, and the accumula- Mediterranean Italian coast and on its small islands due tion and transmission of that knowledge about fishing to environmental issues such as climate change (sea- and fishing related activities [1].” To enable the plants sonality), the decline of fish stocks, and also tourism suitable for specific uses or for specific environments, the activities [1, 29]. choice of plants used in fisheries is based on its proper- Tng et al. [30] argued that the knowledge of traditional ties and availability [1], and these uses and choices are experts on plant use is undergoing a progressive dilu- mediated by traditional ecological knowledge of fish- tion from one generation to the next, claiming that fur- ers. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is passed ther studies on the succeeding generation’s knowledge of through generations through cultural transmission and plant use are necessary due to its decline. Research on the serves as a crucial response to the changes occurring in knowledge, usage, and management of natural resources the environment as TEK is a major source of community by local populations is crucial because it validates the cohesion and resiliency [2, 3]. value of cultures and advances the ability of the commu- The field of study known as ethnobiology, among oth- nity to sustain itself [31]. Hanazaki et al. [32] investigated ers, including the in-depth traditional or local ecologi- that the interrelation among fishing, people, and plants cal knowledge (LEK), is typically maintained by local in coastal environments has rarely been the topic of eth- human communities who have long used and man- nobotanical studies and fishing activities about plants aged natural ecosystems [4–6]. Silvano et al. [7] high- and their role in ethnobotanical knowledge are not very lighted the potential contributions of ethnobiology well documented. This is shown by the relatively data to other research areas by reporting case studies that obtained from bibliographic sources [1]. Therefore, doc- will improve ecological research and further engage umenting this traditional ecological knowledge before local communities in protecting forest-stream ecosys- it disappears from oral history is crucial in decreas- tems. For example, riverine people in the Amazon have ing the loss of TEK and biocultural diversity [3]. Several broad perceptions providing alternative views on the studies demonstrated that the preservation of this local humans and the environment relations, contributing knowledge (and social memory) is vital for sustainable novel observations that complement existing knowl- management of the environment and for dealing with edge, such as the information about fish populations socioecological changes [33, 34]. and biotic/abiotic variables affecting their development In addition to the basic biological and ecological per- [8]. Bhatta and Patra [9] reported that the knowledge spective, investigations into biodiversity and conser- shared by local people is crucial in understanding an vation efforts should include concerns about the use of ecosystem, as it could contribute to conserving threat- biodiversity in their equations. As a multidisciplinary ened native wetland species. In numerous study fields, field, ethnobotany offers a variety of methods and view- including fish ecology and fisheries, studies about TEK points to encourage communication between various and LEK have provided new biological information, areas of knowledge [35]. as well as contributed to the development of manage- Therefore, this review aims to understand the general ment and conservation measures [10–16], including the scenario of fishery-related plant uses in the published restoration of damaged landscapes due to agricultural literature worldwide. To this end, we mapped plant use activities in rural landscapes in Australia [17]. Several knowledge within traditional fishing communities across investigations, especially in the coastal region of the the globe and reviewed the methods used in investigating Brazilian Atlantic Forest, have documented knowledge the plant use knowledge within traditional fishing com- of and usage of plants by fisherfolk [18–24], and fish- munities across the globe. We also identified the respond- ing ecology [19], among others. Traditional ecologi- ents commonly involved in exploring the plant use cal knowledge and LEK are also related to climate and knowledge within traditional fishing communities across environmental changes [25] and watershed rehabili- the globe and provide the inventory of the reported tation [26]. For example, Sethi et al. [27] claimed that plants utilized in fisheries and their corresponding uses. Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 3 of 24 Methodology Given that the results of the initial search did not yield Literature review sufficient fishery-related uses of plants based on local For the systematic literature review, we used the Pre- ecological knowledge, a second search was similarly ferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta- performed using the terms “fisher” OR “fishery” AND analyses (PRISMA) to guide the review process [36] “plants” AND “knowledge” OR “use” AND “local” OR (Fig. 1). “indigenous” OR “traditional.” Furthermore, an addi- We searched for published literature in English using tional search was performed in the Web of Science data- the following key words in Scopus database: “knowledge” base using the keywords “fishers’ knowledge,” “plant,” and AND “use” AND “fisheries” AND “management.” Only “use.” All searches included articles published between the articles or reviews involving local perceptions about 1970 and 2023. the uses of plants were considered because they have Additional peer-reviewed articles were also consid- undergone a peer review process. ered for being part of the references that did appear in Fig. 1 Flow diagram for the literature review with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 4 of 24 the searches. A study was selected only if it followed the included making use of the plants’ fiber. Habitat-related above-mentioned criteria or if it involved local percep- uses refer to the plants’ function as habitat for the fish tions about the uses of plants related to fisheries. These and other aquatic organisms. Problem-related uses rep- studies were considered as they were in line with the resent the challenges plants bring to fishing activities, for research aims. Excel databases were created showing instance, due to overgrowth. Lastly, aids in fishery man- the use reports (see Additional file 1) and all the articles agement-related uses reflect on the contribution of plants considered in the review (see Additional files 2 and 3), in fishery management. including some background information about the arti- Botanical names were standardized and listed follow- cles such as the methods and respondents involved. ing the Plants of the World Online database [39]. Initially, articles were screened by their titles and The data on plant uses and botanical identifications abstracts, which had to report the perception and uses were organized in spreadsheets, followed by pivoting of plants by resource users in the region for their fishing techniques to obtain a summary of the results, especially activities. Fishery-related uses of plants were obtained those concerning plant use reports related to fisheries from studies where the authors used different terminolo- mentioned in the reviewed articles. Comma-separated gies such as traditional fishery knowledge, traditional values (CSV) files were generated for data visualization in ecological knowledge, local ecological knowledge. In the Rawgraphs [40]. cases where medicinal, housing, and construction, fod- der, among other uses, were reported, these were not Results considered in this review. After screening abstracts, full The earliest article corresponding to the selected criteria texts were analyzed to determine if they were eligible for was published in 1998. There has been a slight increase in the final synthesis. The eligibility criterion was that publi- recent years in the number of published articles on fish- cations had to report fishery-related uses of plant species ery-related plant uses based on the knowledge of local based on LEK. people (Fig. 2). South America is the most researched The number of publications decreased from 113 to 9 region with 286 use reports followed by Europe (203 use after screening using the first set of terms in Scopus. For reports), while among the least explored continents were the results of the second search, the number of publica- Asia (87), Australia (44), and Africa (14) (Fig. 3). tions decreased from 123 to 21 articles after the screen- Most of the publications are original research ing process; however, seven articles out of 21 appeared papers (29 out of 34) in which the information is only in the results of the previous selection process, and thus, based on local ecological knowledge, while the five pub- only 14 articles reporting only fishery-related uses were lications combine original research with other methods added in the final review. Furthermore, for the results of such as a literature review (indicated by black stars in the Web of Science database search, the number of publi- Fig. 3). The authors of the reviewed articles refer to the cations decreased from 226 to 10 including [37, 38]; how- source of fishery-related plant and algae uses as tradi- ever, 5 articles also appeared in the results of the Scopus tional fishery knowledge, traditional ecological knowl- search. Therefore, 28 articles were finally included in the edge, traditional botanical knowledge, local ecological final review process. Six additional peer-reviewed articles knowledge, and indigenous technical knowledge. were added, as those also reported fishery-related uses Most of the reviewed publications are based on (semi- of plant species based on LEK. They did appear while structured) interviews (Fig. 4). Botanical surveys, random exploring the reviewed articles but were not listed in the sampling questionnaires and structured surveys are less results of the Scopus and Web of Science searches. The well represented. Nine percent of the publications also final analysis was performed on 34 publications (Fig. 1). rely on secondary sources including those collected from fishers, available records from government agencies such Data categorization as fisheries, fishers focus group discussions, and reviews Uses were grouped into larger categories including aids of ethnobotanical literature. in fishery management, building and repair, fiber uses, The respondents (Fig. 5) in the publications involved in fishing, habitat, and problems (Table 1). From each arti- determining the fishery-related uses of plants are mostly cle, we extracted the uses of plants related to fisheries fishery experts and local experts followed by other local and we grouped them into these larger categories. people and institutions. The majority of fishery experts The categories were based on the following criteria. are fishers, while local experts represent people from Fishing-related uses are grouped together when they are very diverse professions, including fishery-related arti- related specifically to catching fish. Building and repair- sans among others. Globally, the majority (78%) of the related uses involve the plant materials for building, con- use reports derive from records obtained from ethnobo- structing, and repairing fishing gear. Fiber-related uses tanical studies involving fishery experts, which comprise Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 5 of 24 Table 1 General categories of use General categories Use Abbreviation Aids in fishing management Aids in fishery management AIF Check pH CPH Control algal bloom CAB Control disease in fish CDF Control of humus gas CHG Control of snails COS Control of unwanted fishes CUF Control of wild cat CWC​ Faster in hatching FIH Fish conservation FCS Mapping of fish resources MFR Prevent mortality in Transportation PMT Reduction of water turbidity RWT​ Seasonal cues for fish presence SCF Signify octopus season SOS Signify sharks giving birth SGV Site for catching fish SCF Water filter WAF Building and repair Barrels BAR Build boats BOT Build canoes CAN Build ships SHP Build temporary fishing camps BTF Caulking CAU​ Coloring CLR Construct boat shelters CBS Cover boats CVB Dye nets DYN Fishing net floats FNF Floats FLT Fuel for cooking fish FCF Grilling GRL Hulling HUL Make oars OAR Make ships go faster SGF Masts MAS Paddles PAD Pulleys PUL Ramps RAM Repair canoes RCA​ Repair fishing nets RFI Ship models SHM Shrouds SHR Splash battress SPB Tools TOL Fiber uses Basketry BAS Broom heads BHE Fish nets FSN Ropes ROP Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 6 of 24 Table 1 (continued) General categories Use Abbreviation Use as cordage in fishing activities COR Weaving fish traps WFT Fishing Bait BAI Catching fish CAF Fish poison FPO Fish traps FST Fishing FIS Fishing gear FSG Food for fish FFF For harvesting fish FHF Hooks HOO Illegal fishing ILF Making fish traps MFT Making fishing rod FRD Mussel farming MSF To get octopus out of its den TOD To stun fishes TSF Habitat Dams of fish ponds DFP Fish habitat FSH Helps lower the cost of fish feeds LCF Hiding place FHP Protects the fish from predators PFP Provides shade SHD Stabilize soil STS Stabilize temperature STT Problems Food for people (overexploitation) FOP Invasive species causing problems in fishing ICI Problem contributing to fish kill PCF Problem for fishing activities transportation PFT Problem for recreational fishing PRF Source of income (overexploitation) SOI less than half (41%) of the reviewed articles (Fig. 6). The Hymenachne amplexicaulis, Montrichardia linifera, institutions involved are academic institutes, biologists, Myrsine guianensis, Myrtus communis, Olea europaea, government agencies, and members of organizations Rhynchospora corymbosa, and Rugoloa polygonata (6 use such as IUCN CEESP, IUCN GSPFBU, UCSD, and vari- reports each). ous NGOs. The fishery-related uses of plants are not region- A total of 344 plant and algae taxa belonging to 112 dependent (Fig. 7). However, they reflect the research botanical families were identified. In ten records, only effort in each specific region. Specifically, publications in common name was mentioned, 70 plants were reported Brazil showed the highest number of reported plant uses at genus level and two records provided plant descrip- (276 out of 634) related to fishery, followed by publica- tions (see Additional File 1). Eight records had uni- tions in Italy (171) and India (65). The numbers corre- dentified families; therefore, only 556 records of use spond to the number of publications: Most studies (n = 8: reports were identified to the level of species. Among 23.53%) were carried out in Brazil and India, followed by the most cited plant taxa used were Castanea sativa Italy and Indonesia (n = 3: 8.82%), while in other reported and Pontederia crassipes (10 use reports each), followed regions only one or two studies have been conducted. by Ampelodesmos mauritanicus, Arundo donax, Bam- Most of the diversity also comes from Brazil, where the busa sp., Nectandra, and Ocotea (8 use reports each), majority of the plant families are used in a local context. Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 7 of 24 Fig. 2 Summary of the publication year of the studies included in the review Fig. 3 Distribution of the reviewed articles on the world map, red stars mean original reasearch, black stars mean original research combined with other data sources Source of the base map: https://​upload.​wikim​edia.​org/​wikip​edia/​commo​ns/c/​cf/A_​large_​blank_​world_​map_​with_​ oceans_​marked_​in_​blue.​PNG Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 8 of 24 Fig. 4 The methods of data acquisition reported in the included articles Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 9 of 24 Fig. 5 Knowledge sources reported in reviewed articles Uses were grouped into general categories, such as fishing (44.16%), building and repair (25.07%), habitat (16.25%), and fiber uses (6.47%) and aids in fishing man- agement (6.31%); records concerning plant species caus- ing problems were the least mentioned (Fig. 8). Figure 9 shows the mostly reported families (mini- mum 10 occurrences) cited in the studies worldwide; the other 95 families had less than 10 occurrences each, which together constitute more than half of the families reported (Table 2). A total of 41 uses involving 25 genera are shared within different localities, while the remaining uses are utilized in a single region. Figure 10 illustrates the use of similar genera for similar purposes across countries. Within- family diversity can be observed, but there is also species overlap; therefore, some species are used similarly across countries. Fig. 6 Percentage of use reports from ethnobotanical studies with local fishers globally Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 10 of 24 Fig. 7 Frequency of reports on fishery-related uses of plants in reviewed articles per geographical area Fishing‑related uses Inga, Juglans, Juncus, Musa, Nymphaea, Oryza, Phrag- There is a high variety in the fishing general category; mites, Pontederia, Rhizophora, Salvinia Solanum, and however, most of the uses have been recorded in Brazil. Trapa are shared among India, Italy, Brazil, Suriname, Among the most reported families for this category are the Philippines, Hungary, and Kenya. Specifically, Arundo Myrtaceae, Poaceae, Arecaceae, and Fabaceae. Specifi- donax is used in India for catching fish [9] and in Italy as cally, the number of families recorded in each use are as well [47]. The taxon Astrocaryum jauari is used in Bra- follows: catching fish (57), food for fish (36), fish poison zil as food for fish [7] and in Suriname for catching fish (16), fish traps (12), fishing (11), bait (7), illegal fishing [45]. Brassica juncea is used in India as food for fish [44], (4), fishing gear (5), harvesting fish (1), hooks (1), making while Brassica oleracea is used in Italy as bait [1]. Genipa fish traps (1), making fishing rods (1), mussel farming (2), americana is used for catching fish in Brazil [41] and as to get octopus out of its den (1), to stun fishes (1). With bait in Suriname [45]. Hydrilla verticillata is used as food regard to these fishing-related uses, the following taxa are for fish in India [9] and for catching fish in the Philip- shared among fishers from India, Italy, Brazil, Suriname, pines and India [50, 53]. Hydrocharis spongia is used as the Philippines, Hungary, and Kenya: Acacia, Arundo, food for fish in Brazil [8], while in Hungary Hydrocharis Astrocaryum, Brassica, Genipa, Hydrilla, Hydrocharis, morsus-ranae is used for catching fish [54]. In Brazil, Inga Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 11 of 24 Fig. 8 General categories of fishery-related uses of plants in the world Fig. 9 Bar graph of the most frequently reported families in all the reviewed studies, indicating the number of reports per family Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 12 of 24 Table 2 List of most diverse families reported in reviewed articles. Below is the table of the families most diversely used with more than eight uses Family Total use Use Taxa Region covered References reports Anacardiaceae 14 Basketry Pistacia lentiscus Italy [1] Catching fish Mangifera indica Brazil [41] Spondias mombin Brazil [41] Tapirira guianensis Brazil [35] Dye nets Pistacia lentiscus Italy [1] Rhus coriaria Italy [28] Fish poison Rhus coriaria Italy [28] Fish traps Pistacia lentiscus Italy [1] Fishing gear Anacardium occidentale Brazil [42] Hulls Gluta tourtour Madagascar [43] Illegal fishing Pistacia lentiscus Italy [1] Splash battress Gluta tourtour Madagascar [43] Fishing Schinus terebinthifolia Brazil [31] Arecaceae 25 Broom heads Attalea funifera Brazil [30] Catching fish Acrocomia aculeata Brazil [41] Attalea funifera Brazil [30] Attalea phalerata Brazil [41] Bactris glaucescens Brazil [41] Bactris spp. Brazil [41] Copernicia alba Brazil [41] Euterpe edulis Brazil [35] Geonoma schottiana Brazil [35] Syagrus romanzoffiana Brazil [35] Control of snails Cocos nucifera India [44] Phoenix dactylifera India [44] Fish nets Chamaerops humilis Italy [1] Cocos nucifera Italy [1] Fishing Chamaerops humilis Italy [1] Fishing gear Copernicia prunifera Brazil [42] Food for fish Astrocaryum jauari Brazil [7] Euterpe precatoria Brazil [8] Hiding place Euterpe precatoria Brazil [8] Ropes Chamaerops humilis Italy [1] Cocos nucifera Italy [1] Shrouds Chamaerops humilis Italy [1] Stabilize temperature Euterpe precatoria Brazil [8] Catching fish Astrocaryum jauari Suriname [45] Euphorbiaceae 15 Bait Euphorbia dendroides Italy [28] Catching fish Euphorbia dendroides Italy [28] Sapium obovatum Brazil [41] Fish poison Jatropha curcas India [46] Fishing Euphorbia characias Italy [1] Food for fish Hevea brasiliensis Brazil [7] Mabea subsessilis Brazil [7] Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 13 of 24 Table 2 (continued) Family Total use Use Taxa Region covered References reports Hulls Givotia madagascariensis Madagascar [43] Illegal fishing Euphorbia characias Italy [47] Euphorbia dendroides Italy [1] Euphorbia helioscopia Italy [1] Making fishing rods Sebastiania schottiana Brazil [31] Signify sharks giving birth Excoecaria agallocha Fiji [48] Fabaceae 38 Bait Copaifera guianensis Suriname [45] Dioclea guianensis Suriname [45] Macropsychanthus scaber Suriname [45] Build boats Apuleia leiocarpa Brazil [31] Enterolobium contortisiliquum Brazil [31] Myrocarpus frondosus Brazil [31] Parapiptadenia rigida Brazil [31] Build canoes Schizolobium parahyba Brazil [49] Build ships Ceratonia siliqua Italy [1] Laburnum anagyroides Italy [1] Robinia pseudoacacia Italy [1] Catching fish Balizia pedicellaris Brazil [35] Inga vera Brazil [41] Ormosia arborea Brazil [35] Tamarindus indica Philippines [50] Control of unwanted fishes Gliricidia sepium India [44] Faster in hatching Acacia sp. India [44] Fish conservation Pithecellobium dulce Philippines [50] Fish poison Albizia odoratissima India [51] Millettia pachycarpa India [46] Tephrosia sinapou Suriname [45] Fishing Inga virescens Brazil [31] Fishing gear Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Brazil [42] Fishing net floats Erythrina crista-galli Brazil [31] Food for fish Inga disticha Suriname [45] Hooks Acacia karroo Italy [1] Hulls Entada pervillei Madagascar [43] Repair canoes Schizolobium parahyba Brazil [49] Signify octopus season Erythrina variegata Fiji [48] Splash battress Entada pervillei Madagascar [43] Stabilize soil Inga edulis Peru [52] Swartzia simplex Peru [52] Fagaceae 24 Build boats Apuleia leiocarpa Brazil [31] Barrels Castanea sativa Italy [1] Fagus sylvatica Italy [1] Quercus pubescens Italy [1] Basketry Castanea sativa Italy [1] Quercus suber Italy [1] Build boats Quercus cerris Italy [47] Quercus pubescens Italy [47] Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 14 of 24 Table 2 (continued) Family Total use Use Taxa Region covered References reports Build ships Castanea sativa Italy [1] Fagus sylvatica Italy [1] Quercus pubescens Italy [1] Quercus robur Italy [1] Quercus sp. Italy [1] Dye nets Castanea sativa Italy [1] Fish nets Castanea sativa Italy [1] Fish traps Castanea sativa Italy [1] Floats Quercus suber Italy [47] Grilling Castanea sativa Italy [1] Make oars Castanea sativa Italy [47] Mussel farming Castanea sativa Italy [1] Ramps Quercus pubescens Italy [1] Tools Castanea sativa Italy [1] Fagus sylvatica Italy [1] Weaving fish traps Quercus pubescens Italy [47] Barrels Quercus robur Italy [1] Build ships Quercus ilex Italy [1] Mussel farming Quercus ilex Italy [1] Ramps Quercus ilex Italy [1] Hydrocharitaceae 16 Catching fish Hydrilla verticillata India [53] Hydrilla verticillata Philippines [50] Hydrocharis morsus-ranae Hungary [54] Fish habitat Enhalus acoroides Indonesia [55] Hydrilla verticillata Philippines [56] Thalassia hemprichii Kiribati [57] Vallisneria natans Philippines [50, 56] Food for fish Hydrilla verticillata India [9] Hydrocharis spongia Brazil [8] Thalassia hemprichii Kiribati [57] Food for people Enhalus acoroides Indonesia [55] Hiding place Hydrocharis spongia Brazil [8] Problem for fishing activities transportation Egeria densa Kenya [58] Source of income Enhalus acoroides Indonesia [55] Stabilize temperature Hydrocharis spongia Brazil [8] Malvaceae 10 Bait Pachira insignis Suriname [45] Build canoes Ceiba pentandra Madagascar [43] Catching fish Pseudobombax marginatum Brazil [41] Caulking Gossypium spp. Italy [1] Fish nets Gossypium spp. Italy [1] Fish traps Gossypium spp. Italy [1] Fishing Gossypium spp. Italy [1] Food for fish Pseudobombax munguba Brazil [8] Hiding place Pseudobombax munguba Brazil [8] Stabilize temperature Pseudobombax munguba Brazil [8] Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 15 of 24 Table 2 (continued) Family Total use Use Taxa Region covered References reports Myrtaceae 32 Bait Myrtus communis Italy [1] Basketry Myrtus communis Italy [1] Build boats Eucalyptus sp. Brazil [31] Build temporary fishing camps Eucalyptus sp. Brazil [31] Catching fish Eugenia astringens Brazil [35] Eugenia stigmatosa Brazil [35] Eugenia sulcata Brazil [35] Gomidesia fenzliana Brazil [35] Gomidesia schauerian Brazil [35] Myrcia bicarinata Brazil [35] Myrcia glabra Brazil [35] Myrcia glomerata Brazil [35] Myrcia hebepetala Brazil [35] Myrcia macrocarpa Brazil [35] Myrcia multiflora Brazil [35] Myrcia pubipetala Brazil [35] Myrcia racemosa Brazil [35] Myrcia sp. Brazil [35] Myrcia splendens Brazil [35] Myrcia vellozoi Brazil [35] Neomitranthes glomerata Brazil [35] Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus Brazil [35] Psidium cattleyanum Brazil [35] Psidium guajava Brazil [41] Psidium guineense Brazil [41] Siphoneugena guilfoyleiana Brazil [35] Fish traps Myrtus communis Italy [1] Repair fishing nets Myrtus communis Italy [28] Tools Myrtus communis Italy [1] Oleaceae 13 Barrels Fraxinus ornus Italy [1] Basketry Olea europaea Italy [1] Build ships Fraxinus ornus Italy [1] Olea europaea Italy [1] Catching fish Chionanthus filiformis Brazil [35] Fish traps Fraxinus ornus Italy [1] Olea europaea Italy [1] Fishing Olea europaea Italy [1] Ramps Olea europaea Italy [1] Tools Fraxinus ornus Italy [1] Olea europaea Italy [1] Phillyrea angustifolia Italy [1] Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 16 of 24 Table 2 (continued) Family Total use Use Taxa Region covered References reports Poaceae 53 Aids in fishery management India [27] Basketry Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Italy [1] Arundo plinii Italy [1] Build ships Arundo donax Italy [1] Catching fish Arundo donax India [9] Catching fish Arundo donax Italy [47] Bambusa sp. India [51] Glyceria maxima Hungary [54] Hygroryza sp. India [53] India [51] Phragmites australis Hungary [54] Control of humus gas Bambusa sp. India [44] Control of snails Bambusa sp. India [44] Dams of fishponds Arundo donax Italy [1] Phragmites australis Italy [1] Fish habitat Leersia hexandra India [53] Phragmites karka India [53] Tripidium bengalense India [53] Fish nets Arundo donax Italy [1] Lygeum spartum Italy [1] Fish traps Arundo donax Italy [1] Arundo plinii Italy [1] Bambusa sp. India [59] Oryza sp. India [59] Food for fish Hymenachne amplexicaulis Brazil [8] Oryza grandiglumis Brazil [8] Oryza sp. India [44] Paspalum repens Brazil [8] Phragmites australis Hungary [54] India [53] Rugoloa polygonata Brazil [8] Help lower the cost of fish feed Bambusa sp. India [59] Hiding place Hymenachne amplexicaulis Brazil [8] Oryza grandiglumis Brazil [8] Paspalum repens Brazil [8] Rugoloa polygonata Brazil [8] Making fish traps Phragmites Kenya [58] Prevent mortality in transportation Oryza sp. India [44] Protects fish from predators Bambusa sp. India [59] Ropes Lygeum spartum Italy [1] Stabilize temperature Hymenachne amplexicaulis Brazil [8] Oryza grandiglumis Brazil [8] Paspalum repens Brazil [8] Rugoloa polygonata Brazil [8] Tools Arundo donax Italy [1] Basketry Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Italy [28] Arundo donax Italy [1] Fish nets Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Italy [28] Fish nets Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Italy ([1]) Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 17 of 24 Table 2 (continued) Family Total use Use Taxa Region covered References reports Fish traps Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Italy [1] Mussel farming Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Italy [1] Ropes Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Italy [28] Ropes Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Italy [1] Pontederiaceae 13 Control algal bloom Pontederia crassipes India [44] Fish habitat Pontederia crassipes India [53] Fish habitat Pontederia crassipes Philippines [56] Food for fish Pontederia crassipes Brazil [8] Pontederia rotundifolia Brazil [8] For harvesting fish Pontederia crassipes India [51] Hiding place Pontederia crassipes Brazil [8] Pontederia rotundifolia Brazil [8] Invasive, causing increase in Pistia stratiotes, Pontederia crassipes Kenya [58] Azolla pinnata, and Trapa natans Problem contributing to fish kill Pontederia crassipes Philippines [56] Problem for fishing activities transportation Pontederia crassipes Philippines [56] Stabilize temperature Pontederia crassipes Brazil [8] Pontederia rotundifolia Brazil [8] vera is used for catching fish [41], while Inga virescens is are as follows: build ships (16 citations), build boats used for fishing [31]. However, in Suriname, Inga disti- (10), tools (7), build canoes (19), dye nets (11), ramps cha is used as food for fish [45]. In Hungary, both Jun- and repair canoes (5 each), barrels and hull (3 each), cus bufonius and Juncus effuses are used for recreational and build temporary fishing camps, caulking, splash fishing [54]. In Italy, Juncus acutus, Juncus spp., and Jun- bmattress, repair fishing nets, fishing net floats, and cus maritimus are used in making fish traps [1]. In India, fuel for cooking fish (2 each). The remaining uses are Musa sp. is used for catching fish [51], while in Brazil, represented by only one family: coloring, constructing specifically, Musa acuminata is used for fishing gear boat shelters, covering boats and floats, grilling, make [42]. In India, Oryza sp. is used for catching fish [51] and oars, make shifts go faster, masts, paddles, pulleys, ship fish traps [59], while Oryza grandiglumis is used as food models, and shrouds. for fish in Brazil, while Oryza sativa and more generally The use of the genera Pinus and Rhizophora is shared Oryza sp. in India [8, 44, 53]. Phragmites australis is used among Brazil, Italy, and Madagascar. Pinus spp. is used for catching fish and as food for fish in Hungary [54], in Brazil to build boats [31], while in Italy, it is used while in Kenya Phragmites is generally used for making in building ships and dye nets [1, 47]. The taxon Rhiz- fish traps [58]. In Brazil, the taxa Pontederia crassipes ophora mangle is used in Brazil to construct boat shel- and Pontederia rotundifolia are used as food for fish [8], ters [30], while in Madagascar, Rhizophora sp. is used while in India Pontederia crassipes is used for harvesting for masts [43]. fish [51]. Salvinia minima is also used in Brazil as food For building boats in Brazil, for instance, Baptista for fish [8], while Salvinia natans is used in Hungary for et al. [31] mentioned that the “timbaúva” (Enterolobium catching fish [54]. Solanum viarum is used for catching contortisiliquum) and “cedro” (Cedrela fissilis) were fish in Brazil [41], while Solanum schomburgkii is used as utilized for boat building, and Hanazaki [60] demon- food for fish in Suriname [45]. strated that these species were also used by traditional fishers “caiçaras,” in southern Brazil. It appears that using plant species to make boats was an important Building and repair‑related uses activity in the past in many regions of Brazil, as men- Most building and repair uses are reported in Italy, fol- tioned by local fishers in the state of Alagoas, Northeast lowed by Brazil and Madagascar, and were not reported Brazil [61]. However, Baptista et al. [32] argued that this in other regions. Among the most reported families are had been replaced of new materials, which has caused Lauraceae, Fagaceae, Fabaceae, and Pinaceae. For this fishers to lose this knowledge given that, in the past, category, the number of families recorded in each use Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 18 of 24 Fig. 10 Shared species used within genera across countries few fishers reported this plant use. The active of retired for Attalea funifera, which is used to make broom heads fishermen generally know more about wood- and fiber- in Brazil [30]. producing plants [62] and specifically regarding using Habitat-related uses have been mainly reported in plants for construction, such as building boats and fish- Brazil, followed by India, Fiji, and the Philippines, while ing artifacts [30]. Peru, Indonesia, Kiribati, Kenya, Spain, and Italy are among the least reported regions. For this category, Fiber‑related uses among the most reported families are Poaceae, Araceae, Some studies provide information not present in other Hydrocharitaceae, Pontederiaceae, and Cyperaceae. countries, such as fiber-related uses. Among the most The number of families recorded for each use is as fol- reported families are Poaceae, Arecaceae, Cannabaceae, lows: fish habitat (22), stabilize temperature (19), hid- and Fagaceae. The number of families recorded in each ing place (18), and stabilize soil (3), while the remaining use is as follows basketry (10), fish nets (7), ropes (6), uses, such as dams of fishponds, help lower the cost of weaving fish traps (2), while the remaining uses, such as fish feed, protect fish from predators, and provide shade broom heads and use as cordage in fishing activities are are among the least represented. The use of Phragmites, only represented by a single family. These uses related to Pistia, Pontederia, and Salvinia, for the above-mentioned fibers are reported most in a local Italian contexts, except purposes, is shared among Italy, India, Brazil, Kenya, Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 19 of 24 and the Philippines considering dams of fish ponds, fish fishing activities transportation (Hydrocharitaceae and habitat, hiding place, and stabilize temperature [1, 8, 53, Pontederiaceae, Philippines [56] and Kenya [58]). 56, 58]. Specifically, Phragmites australis is used in fish- The problems caused by the genus Pontederia are simi- pond dams in Italy [1], while in India Phragmites karka lar in Kenya and the Philippines. In Kenya, Pontederia is used as fish habitat [53]. Pistia stratiotes is used as a crassipes is considered invasive as it is causing an increase hiding place and to provide a stable temperature for fish in other species such as Pistia stratiotes, Azolla pinnata, in Brazil [8]. In Kenya and India, this taxon is used as a and Trapa natans [58], while in the Philippines this spe- fish habitat [53, 58]. Pontederia crassipes is used as a hid- cies is considered to be causing problems for transporta- ing place and Pontederia rotundifolia to provide a stable tion related to fishing activities as well as contributing to temperature for fish in Brazil [8], while in the Philippines fish kill events [56]. and India, the taxon Pontederia crassipes is used as a fish habitat [46, 56]. Salvinia minima is also used as a hiding Discussion place and to provide a stable temperature for fish in Bra- The role of plants in fishery zil [8]. In addition, in the Philippines, the taxon Salvinia Plants in fishery activities are chosen primarily for their molesta is used as a fish habitat [56]. characteristics which make them suitable for specific environment and uses, as per Savo et al. [1]; for example, Aids in fishing management if a species is woody or is located in riverine areas, it may Most of the aids in fishing management uses have been serve as fish habitat. Additionally, various factors influ- reported in India, Fiji, Norway, Indonesia, and the Philip- ence the selection of fishing gear and techniques, includ- pines and not in other regions. Among the most reported ing the following: the standard of living, properties of the families are Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Musaceae. For this raw material, nature of fish stock, and the physiography category, the number of families recorded in each use of the given water body [63]. For example, in Brazil, the is as follows: water filter (10 citations), mapping of fish traditional harvesting techniques, such as those used by resources (4), control of humus gas, control of snails, sig- “caiçaras,” are dependent on the desired characteristics nify octopus season, and the control of wild cat (2). The needed to build a fixed fishing trap called “cerco-fixo” remaining uses are represented by only one family: con- [35]. Similarly, when fishing with attractants (Chali diya), trol disease in fish, reduction of water turbidity, check pH, a bunch of Eichhornia crassipes are used to help identify control algal bloom, control of unwanted fishes, faster in the exact position of dough at the time of fishing with hatching, fish conservation, prevent mortality in trans- cast nets [51]. Also, Kalita et al. [51] reported additional portation, seasonal cues for fish presence, signify sharks unique indigenous knowledge related to fish harvest- giving birth, and site for catching fish. Moreover, in India, ing, including fishing with piscicidal plants (Polygonum the following taxa and uses are mentioned: Acacia sp. to hydropiper, Albizzia odoratissima, and Duranta plumi- allow the faster hatching of fish eggs, Cocos nucifera to eri), community fishing (harvesting fish in groups), control snails, Musa sp. to control of humus gas and the wounding gear (use of a weapon, e.g., a spear), and "bana" reduction of water turbidity, Pontederia crassipes to con- fishing (screen made from bamboo strips). The tradi- trol algal bloom, and Oryza sp. to prevent fish mortality in tional fish aggregating device called “yankaw” in Laguna transportation [44, 59]. In Fiji, however, Citrus reticulata lake Philippines is made from branches of tamarind is used as a seasonal cue for fish presence and Erythrina (Tamarindus indica) or kamatsili (Pithecellobium dulce) variegate is used to signify octopus season [48]. providing shelter and a protected area for fish, which is part of the fishery resource management [50]. Tradi- Plants causing problems tional fish traps could also include using Arundo donax The plants causing problems are the least mentioned cat- [9], Bambusa sp., and Oryza sp. [59]. However, fish egory and have been reported only in some countries, traps are currently made from plastic or metal materials such as Hungary, Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines. which can be easily folded and that last longer, accord- Although not yet reported in other countries, these ing to the local people in Santa Marinella and Civitavec- plants could be crucial for the management of fisheries chia, but which are considered less effective according to across the globe. Among the most reported families caus- the Amalfi Coast informants in Western Mediterranean ing problems are Hydrocharitaceae and Pontederiaceae. coast of Italy [1]. There are four families causing problems for recreational The reviewed publications reported new biologi- fishing (Ceratophyllaceae, Lythraceae, Menyanthaceae, cal information on various plant species which serve as and Salviniaceae, Hungary [54]), two families contrib- food items for fish, showing their dependency on forests uting to fish kills (Microcystaceae and Pontederiaceae, as food sources. For instance, fruits are one of the most Philippines [56]), and two families causing problems for cited foods for fish by local fishers, aside from other fish, Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 20 of 24 terrestrial invertebrates, and detritus. In line with these However, Pontederia crassipes is considered invasive, observations, important ecological processes concerning causing an increase in other plant taxa [58], and its over- energetic pathways and food webs could be inferred with growth has some negative impacts on transportation respect to the clear and blackwater rivers of the Amazo- and movement when a large area is covered by them (as nian floodplain; this shows the ecological link between also seen with taxon Egeria dens, see Sayer et al. [58]). ethnobiological research on LEK to the protection of Bra- The overgrowth of Pontederia crassipes and that of “liya” zilian streams, which was not recorded in the previous or Microcystis aeruginosa, together with other factors, literature [7]. The fish could be dispersers of aquatic mac- such as shallow water depth, a decrease in oxygen in the rophytes and riparian tree seeds to upstream germina- region, solid waste, and polluted water from agriculture tion areas [64]. This could be because fish gather most of activities and chemical substances from hydropower their energy from fruits apart from insects, from flooded plants, contribute to fish kill incidents according to local forests and terrestrial habitats due to the low productiv- fishers [56]. ity in the Negro River [7, 65]. Knöppel [66] argued that Trees and bushes are used for building-related activities the fact that fish eat plants that occur in several habitat due to the fact they are easy to stock up on in the Medi- types in Central Amazonian streams could possibly be terranean [1]; however, all the species of the temper- an adaptation. Further studies on this feeding interaction ate belt are used probably because the wood of the trees could allow the discovery of new information. Further- found in this habitat has features that are conducive for more, Silvano et al. [7] demonstrated that their findings shipbuilding [70]. LEK on the use of plants for construc- helped understand how deforestation impacts could tion, like making tools or building boats, is not very well affect fisheries and how declining fish populations could documented but is very crucial for traditional communi- negatively affect ecological processes, including seed dis- ties that mainly depend on fishing [35, 71]. For instance, persal in terrestrial areas. Additionally, Silvano et al. [7] the wood of many tree species is used by shipwrights in mentioned this could be crucial information beneficial to the Western Mediterranean coastal regions of Italy, much designing ecosystem management measures. This could more so compared to other parts of the world (e.g., [70, further advance the management of the artisanal fisheries 72–74]). Some species have been utilized for building the in the Amazon with the engagement of fishers [67, 68]. hulls of ships since the time of the Roman Empire [75]. Previous studies proved that knowledge of local fishers Some specific uses are associated with regional practices, regarding fish ecology and behavior has the potential to such as the traditional fish preservation method of using guide the sustainable management of the Amazon region, salt, which local people in Sicily, Italy, mainly utilize; including flooded forests resulting from the impacts of however, it could also be that the data from the region climate change and other activities such as deforestation were limited [1]. Then, the shared uses within Italy could and mining [7, 45]. Likewise, other food sources for fish be a result of past historical relationships and reciprocal include seagrass, such as Thalassia hemprichii [57] and commercial activities [1]. cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa [56], and thus, the Fiber-related uses are mostly reported in Italy. The decline of these food sources may result to fish starvation Sicilian ethnobotanical literature reports that similar and could affect their size. uses of plants can be found more frequently in other Moreover, floating vegetation islands such as the Ama- small islands with similar economies [29, 76] and nearby zonian “matupás” which act as hiding places and provide areas [77]. For example, baskets made of fibers of chest fishes with stable temperatures (also see Silvano et al. nut trees are used for carrying fish are shared in Ligu- [15] for microclimate provision) are found in floodplain ria (locally “cofone” or “cofuìn”) and Campania (“coffe”), lakes of the central Brazilian Amazon that started from and this could be due to their shared cultural back- the agglomeration of aquatic vegetation which then ground given the ancient cultural connections among accumulated enough organic matter to grow patches these regions [78]. However, in the Pacific region, it is of forest up to 12 m in height and to an area of several maintained that different plant names imply the long- hectares, thus also contributing indirectly to fish abun- term presence of plants in the region, while having simi- dance [8]. Tannins and flavonoids from branches of trees lar product names and technologies indicates the more used as traditional fishing gear, e.g., “yankaw,” improve recent arrival and they are shared among local users on the quality of water favorable for aquatic plants such as different islands, highlighting the complete differences in (Hydrilla verticillata), creating a suitable area for the the historical and cultural backgrounds between Medi- reproduction of fishes [69]. At the same time, the roots terranean and Pacific countries [1]. of Pistia stratiotes are used to attach fertilized eggs dur- Understanding the perception of local fishers about ing fish propagation [58]. freshwater ecosystems could enhance our understanding Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 21 of 24 of the cultural uses of wood and fiber of plant species affect fisheries, while the decline in fish stocks poses (e.g., [1, 78]), thus providing information that could not a risk to the important environmental process such as only fill the gaps in ecology [79], biodiversity monitoring seed dispersion [7]. Thus, the loss of forested areas and [80], but also serve as guidance toward local management of areas with native vegetation, where plant raw materi- of habitats [11, 81, 82] as a tool for habitat restoration als are collected, together with the decline in traditional [83, 84], and sustainable management of local freshwater fisheries, can contribute to the loss of plant knowledge. bodies [12, 85, 86]. Including local knowledge in the dis- Considering that traditional fishing lifestyle is declin- cussion is crucial in conserving the natural environments ing and the opportunity to explore further their diverse in which these people live [31, 35]. knowledge is decreasing every year, interviewing resource users such as recreational anglers is vital given The rapid decline of the knowledge their potential contributions to providing crucial data There is a lack of ethnobotanical studies related to fish- about plants in the freshwater bodies [54]. Most of the eries in spite of the rapid erosion of traditional knowl- traditional knowledge remains in the memories of older edge and practices dependent on plant diversity [72]. community members who have maintained strong The artisanal fisheries are understudied and decreasing attachments to the traditional practices they mainly along the Western Mediterranean coast of Italy, which, depend on for a living. These practices are in danger of based on the perceptions of local people, is due to the being lost quickly [1, 29], and this threatens the role of overabundance of fishing vessels within the 20-mile limit the small Mediterranean islands communities as biocul- off the coast (see also [87]), legal restrictions, the decline tural refugia [3] especially in transmitting local percep- in fish stocks (see, e.g., [88, 89]), changes in fish species, tion and practices [98]. The perceptions and concerns changes in the climate such as different seasonality, dol- of stakeholders and resource users can greatly enhance phin predation, and increasing costs [1]. Globally, these ecosystem management strategies [99]. As long as man- events are happening at an unprecedented rate [90, 91]. agement approaches reflect local communities’ LEK, Other contributing factors include increased fuel and ethnobiological surveys could aid local communities’ equipment costs and decreased human power [54, 92] conservation efforts [6]. For instance, the findings that as well as urbanization of coastal areas [93]. In addition, plants species are important for local food security and societal development factors play a part, such as operat- the quality of the ecosystem in the region is affected by ing tourism activities in places where communities live deforestation [52] combined with scientific research, without considering the local culture and perception could result in conservation agreements and the crea- [94, 95]. On the other hand, La Rosa et al. [28] argued tion of measures to monitor the reappearance of fish spe- that many ethnobotanical uses of plants are lost from cies as part of the management of fisheries and riparian the popular tradition because of tourism changes in the forests from a social-ecological approach. This therefore local economy. Tng et al. [30] found that urbanization, demonstrates that ethnobiological studies may enhance land-use change, impacts on productive practices, and communication between locals and scientists, bridging growth of other activities, including tourism, threaten the gap between biological sciences and LEK [7]. Docu- the perception of cultural rural communities across the menting LEK has the potential to contribute to different globe. Handicrafts, practices, and strategies by local areas of ecology, including conservation biology and hab- people are in rapid decline as most ethnobotanical uses itat management. Therefore, to maintain the resilience have been abandoned, which makes it more challenging of socioecological systems and cultural diversity conser- to assess if a particular use is specific to a region or if it vation, it is important to explore further patterns of this has already lost in other areas. There is cultural erosion cultural knowledge present in artisanal fishing commu- of knowledge on traditional instruments, ships, tools, nity [30]. fishing-related practices because plant fibers and wood for making fishing equipment, including boats, have been Conclusion replaced by new and cheaper materials available in the The fishery-related uses of plants are greatly under- market. Another example is the use of plastic nets, which documented across the world. In the reviewed articles, could become a significant source of marine plastic pol- semi-structured interviews are most commonly used lution [96, 97]. In addition, these uses, which are rapidly with local people, especially fishery experts, in inves- disappearing in the Mediterranean area, have maximum tigating plant use knowledge within traditional fishing heritage value; therefore, small islands are crucial in this communities. At the same time, a small percentage of context as biocultural refugia to preserve the uses and the publications are also based on secondary sources practices of the local people [1, 29]. Likewise, deforesta- and reviews of ethnobotanical literature involving the tion and the loss of plant species in terrestrial areas could participation of other local people and institutions. As Mendoza et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2023) 19:57 Page 22 of 24 a novelty, we have proposed a categorization of fishery- Supplementary Information related uses. Fishing, the building/repair of fishing tools, The online version contains supplementary material available at https://​doi.​ and habitat-related uses are reported the most in the org/​10.​1186/​s13002-​023-​00630-3. reviewed articles, while the records of plants related to Additional file 1: Review of plant species related to fisheries worldwide. fiber uses, providing aid in fishing management, and Additional file 2: List of Reviewed Articles related to fisheries found in species causing problems are among the least men- Scopus and ISIWOS. tioned; however, the latter are crucial in understanding Additional file 3: List of Reviewed Articles related to fisheries NOT found the ecosystem of a region. Several taxa are used in the in Scopus. same etic, or even emic, domains in different parts of the world, especially on the genus level. For example, Pon- Acknowledgements tederia and Juncus use reports are the most commonly We are grateful for the anonymous reviewers for their valuable and construc- shared in terms of records concerning aids in fish- tive reviews. We thank everyone that helped us in this literature review. ing management, habitat, fishing, and problems, while Author contributions Pinus is mostly used for building and repair-related pur- JNM and RS designed the review article. JNM performed the Scopus and poses in countries such as Hungary, Italy, Kenya, Bra- ISIWOS searches, screened the studies, and wrote the main text with the help of RS and AC. RS guided the design of the methods for searching in the zil, India, and the Philippines. Several reviewed articles Scopus database and guided all phases of the review. JNM and RS carried out highlighted that this knowledge is declining rapidly as a the selection of studies and organized the main results. JNM, RS, NH, GM, BP, result of socioenvironmental changes. SK, EM, AC, AM, and MB contributed substantially to the discussion and data analysis. RS, NH, GM, BP, SK, EM, AC, AM, and MB carried out the review of and Our results show that the topic of fishery-related contributed to the main text. All authors have read and approved the current plants is important and rich if specifically targeted. It manuscript. is also clear from this review that the subject is greatly Funding understudied globally and in most parts of the world The study was funded by the Department of Environmental Sciences, Infor- the information is of a casual and sporadic nature. Con- matics and Statistics, Ca Foscari University of Venice, Italy. sidering the rapid decline of knowledge highlighted Availability of data and materials in a large number of the articles, further systematic All data used in this review can be found in the additional files. research on fishery-related uses of plants is needed, especially given its potential contribution to the sus- Declarations tainable management of fishery resources. Fishers are the primary group that can provide information on Ethics approval and consent to participate Not applicable. aquatic plants and algae that aid in fishing manage- ment. While the plants causing problems are the least Consent for publication reported globally, they are crucial in understanding the Not applicable. ecosystem of a region that is experiencing environmen- Competing interests tal challenges. As fishers can also describe in detail the The authors declare no competing interests. plant species causing problems, we encourage the col- laboration of scientists and fishers. Received: 15 September 2023 Accepted: 16 November 2023 Therefore, considering the understudied nature of fishery-related uses of plants globally, further studies are needed to evaluate the plant-related knowledge of local resource users such as fisherfolk, given that they possess References valuable ecological information vital for the sustainable 1. Savo V, La Rocca A, Caneva G, Rapallo F, Cornara L. Plants used in artisanal management of local resources. fisheries on the Western Mediterranean coasts of Italy. J Ethnobiol Eth- nomed. 2013;9:1–4. 2. Quave CL, Pieroni A. A reservoir of ethnobotanical knowledge informs Abbreviations resilient food security and health strategies in the Balkans. Nat Plants. TEK Traditional ecological knowledge 2015;1(2):1–6. LEK Local ecological knowledge 3. 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La biologia vegetale per i beni culturali, conoscenza e valoriz- lished maps and institutional affiliations. zazione. 2005;2:22–5. 76. La Mantia T, Carimi F, Di Lorenzo R, Pasta S. The agricultural heritage of Lampedusa (Pelagie Archipelago, South Italy) and its key role for cultivar and wildlife conservation. Ital J Agron. 2011;6(2):e17. 77. Aleo M, Cambria S, Bazan G. Tradizioni etnofarmacobotaniche in alcune comunità rurali dei Monti di Trapani (Sicilia occidentale). Quaderni di Botanica Ambientale e Applicata. 2014;24(24):27–38. Ready to submit your research ? Choose BMC and benefit from: 78. Vallariello G. Etnobotanica dell’Isola d’Ischia (Napoli, Italia). Delpinoa. 2003;45:233–43. • fast, convenient online submission 79. Silvano RA, Begossi A. From ethnobiology to ecotoxicology: fishers’ knowledge on trophic levels as indicator of bioaccumulation in tropical • thorough peer review by experienced researchers in your field marine and freshwater fishes. 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