A method for assessing fishers' ecological knowledge as a practical tool for ecosystem-based fisheries management: Seeking consensus in Southeastern Brazil

► A method to access fishers' knowledge was developed based on the Delphi technique. ► The method was designed under an ecosystem-based fisheries management framework. ► Consensus on key management issues among small-scale fishers was identified. ► Fishing grounds and important seasons for five fishery resources were indentified. ► The method proved to be useful for the mapping of essential fish habitats (EFHs).