BackgroundLocal ecological knowledge (LEK) in fishing communities is generated through interactions between fishers and the exploited resources. It is transmitted through social networks, interdisciplinary structures that drives the dynamics of socio-ecological systems (SES). LEK variability is supposed to depend on the quality and quantity of ecological information flow among different stakeholders. To assess what is driving LEK themes, we hypothesized that the formation of LEK clusters among fishers is determined by network articulation, fisher experience and the commercial value of the exploited species. MethodsThe study area comprises three fishing communities in the Western South Atlantic, in the tropical coastal zone of Brazil where artisanal shrimp fisheries (on Penaeus schmitti, P. subtilis and Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) are a major activity. Data collection took place between March, April, and November 2019. To test our hypothesis, linear regression and bipartite network analyses were performed to visualize the interactions between fishermen groups and LEK themes. The connectivity, nesting, modularity, and centrality parameters in this social network were calculated to test the hypothesis. ResultsOur results indicate that experienced fishers enhance LEK in their networks on the themes of food, mortality, and growth. Furthermore, there are subgroups of fishers with dissimilar knowledge about the exploited shrimp species, one old on the fishery with wide knowledge, other less experienced, just knowing about reproduction and migration themes. ConclusionWe conclude that there is a spatial similarity in the connectivity of fisher’s LEK, mainly concerning the reproductive and migratory dynamics of the target species, but also differences permeated by fishers’ experience and local interests. Managers initiating co-management agreements using reproduction and migration referential variables as benchmarks will be more successful if they incorporate LEK into decision-making. Regional knowledge similarities favor the implementation of management policies at a regional scale potentially reducing conflicts within fishing communities and increasing resource use efficiency.