Recreational Fishing in the Neotropical Region: A Systematic Review

Abstract

We reviewed the scientific literature to assess the current status of recreational fishing in the Neotropical region. In total, 122 publications met our criteria and are included here. Since 1990, the number of studies published on recreational fishing in the region significantly increased. Recreational fishing was evaluated in 13 countries and two territories. Most studies were in marine environments. In total, 372 fish species captured through recreational Neotropical fishing were registered. In South American countries, the presence of nonnative species was significant. Studies were concentrated in a few countries or were not published in scientific articles, conference papers, or book chapters, and some aquatic environments, such as coastal areas, bays, coastal lagoons, and reservoirs, were not studied. In addition, there are few lines of investigation into the practice of this activity in the region, and new investigations are necessary, especially with respect to environmental problems.