Mapping Escolar ( Lepidocybium flavobrunneum ) in Motion: Oceanographic Forces Shaping Its Habitat in the Southwestern South Atlantic, With Insights From Fishers' Perceptions

ABSTRACT Lepidocybium flavobrunneum [Smith, 1843], commonly known as escolar, is a large pelagic species, important for global and local fisheries, particularly in the southwestern South Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), where it constitutes a significant portion of the catch. However, despite its important socioeconomic role, it remains less studied compared to other large pelagic species. Enhancing research efforts is therefore key to better understanding the ecological processes that influence its spatial and temporal distribution. To address this gap, our study applied species distribution models (SDMs) to escolar's occurrence and abundance using longline fleet data from south Brazil and Uruguay. Estimation and prediction were conducted at the Bayesian framework using the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) methodology combined with the stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) approach. Our findings reveal a strong correlation between warmer sea surface temperatures and increased escolar occurrence and abundance in the SWAO, particularly during the austral summer, in contrast to cooler‐season patterns observed elsewhere. Escolar's distribution is influenced by the southward and westward movement of seawater driven by the Brazil Current, and its preference for depths greater than 2000 m reflects its oceanic nature. Predicted areas of higher abundance around the continental slope (between 33° and 37° S) and the Rio Grande Rise are linked to the dynamic interaction of warm and cold currents and nutrient‐rich waters. Additionally, escolar's sensitivity to low‐light conditions may explain reduced catches during moonlit nights. A complementary analysis assessing the synergistic influence of sea surface temperature and lunar illumination on escolar occurrence indicated that, under high temperatures (> 22 °C), occurrence is further enhanced during dark nights. Furthermore, semi‐structured interviews with vessel captains revealed that 90% identified temperature (via open‐ended responses) as a key environmental factor driving escolar catches, and 80% of them attributed a strong influence (greater than average catch rates) to temperature, summer season and new moon phase. This study provides new insights into escolar's seasonal and spatial patterns, emphasizing the impact of oceanographic features and light conditions on its distribution. It also highlights the need for further research into the mechanisms driving escolar populations.