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The conflict between the southern right whale and coastal fisheries on the southern coast of Brazil
... Ethnobiological studies emphasize the importance of deepening the analysis of interactions between fishers and cetaceans in order to estimate the extent of these interactions and provide new information about these animals (e.g. Alarcon et al. 2009, Zappes et al. 2013a, Lenney et al. 2015. These interactions may lead to insecurity and economic losses for fishers as a result of reduced catches and damage to fishing gear (Zambonim et al. 2009, Zappes et al. 2011b; injuries or death of cetaceans from collisions with fishing boats (Marcondes & Engel 2009, Zappes et al. 2013b); intentional (Barbosa-Filho et al. 2016) or accidental capture (bycatch) (Freitas-Netto & Di Beneditto 2008, Silva et al. 2014, Manzan & Lopes 2015, Revuelta et al. 2018). ...
... These interactions may lead to insecurity and economic losses for fishers as a result of reduced catches and damage to fishing gear (Zambonim et al. 2009, Zappes et al. 2011b; injuries or death of cetaceans from collisions with fishing boats (Marcondes & Engel 2009, Zappes et al. 2013b); intentional (Barbosa-Filho et al. 2016) or accidental capture (bycatch) (Freitas-Netto & Di Beneditto 2008, Silva et al. 2014, Manzan & Lopes 2015, Revuelta et al. 2018). Damage to fishing gear usually occurs when cetaceans are caught accidentally (Freitas-Netto & Di Beneditto 2008, Zappes et al. 2011b or when travelling migratory species drag and destroy fishing equipment (Pinheiro & Cremer 2003, Zambonim et al. 2009, Zappes et al. 2013a. In most cases, the carcasses of cetaceans that are accidentally killed are discarded at sea, but they may be used for human consumption or for use as bait (Zappes et al. 2009, Souza 2011, Lenney et al. 2015, Barbosa-Filho et al. 2018. ...
... A qualitative approach is appropriate to conduct studies on cultural perception of members of local community, because the method allow the researchers to approximate the subjects of study and better understand the social, historical and cultural context of the community (Zappes et al. 2013a). According to Mason (2010) a qualitative research is concerned with meaning. ...
Ethnobiological studies are necessary to understand the relationships between fishers and cetaceans. The aim of this study was to describe the interactions between cetaceans and artisanal fishers and the possible conflicts that can arise as a result. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from February to September 2017 with 35 fishermen from the municipality of Ilhéus, Brazil. All fishermen reported both positive and negative interactions with Megaptera novaeangliae, Tursiops truncatus and Sotalia guianensis and only negative interactions with Balaenoptera acutorostrata (n=14) and Stenella frontalis (n=4). The positive interactions consisted of playful relationships and collaborative fishing. Negative interactions (bycatch, entanglement, collisions) affect both the fishermen and cetaceans. S. guianensis is the species most affected by bycatch in fishing nets and M. novaeangliae by entanglement and collision with vessels. The results of this study highlight the value of bringing together scientific and fishing communities to understand conflicts by monitoring interactions in order to assess the impact of fishing activity on cetacean populations. Fishers have a positive perception of cetaceans, know the areas where accidents occur and would like to avoid them. They can contribute to research on these animals and to the development of management plans appropriate to the local reality. This points out the need to integrate scientific and local knowledge for the conservation of cetaceans and for the sustainability of fishing practices.
... The cost of such an accidental interaction can result in a high financial loss for the fishers, since during the accidents, damages to fishing gear, fuel expenses and loss of fishing effort can occur. In addition, the animals can suffer injuries or even die (Filla and Monteiro-Filho, 2009;Zappes et al., 2013). ...
... Studies involving ethnobiological issues and environmental conflicts of artisanal fishers and cetaceans indicate initial results and are conducted in specific regions of the western South Atlantic Ocean and Central Amazon (Souza and Begossi, 2007;Freitas Netto and Di Beneditto, 2008;Peterson et al., 2008;Zappes et al., 2009Zappes et al., , 2011Alves et al., 2012). Regarding baleen whales, there is only one ethnobiological study based on local knowledge of artisanal fishers that describe interactions between fishers and the large cetaceans (Zappes et al., 2013). ...
... This was considered to be sufficient in order to characterize an ideal sampling size, as suggested by, Alexiades (1996) and Mason (2010). Other studies on ethnobiology of fishers with respect to marine mammals in southern and southeastern Brazil were conducted with sample rates equivalent to this study: Souza and Begossi (2007) in the State of São Paulo; Peterson et al. (2008) in the State of Santa Catarina; Zappes et al. (2009) in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo; Zappes et al. (2011) in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and Zappes et al. (2013) in the State of Santa Catarina. ...
Human Ecology studies have shown the importance of the local knowledge that fishery communities have for providing information on the relationship between fishery and cetaceans. Fishers should be partners in the process of fishery management and they may help in the search for solutions. In this sense, the main objectives of this study are to qualitatively describe the accidents between cetaceans and fishing boats on the Brazilian coast and the Central Amazon region through the perception of the artisanal fishers, and to propose mitigatory measures to decrease their occurrences. From 2005 to 2010, 215 ethnographic interviews were conducted, focusing on this kind of interaction in fishers communities from the states of Amazonas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The interviewed fishers identified five species: Inia geoffrensis, Sotalia guianensis, Tursiops truncatus, Eubalaena australis and Megaptera novaeangliae. The justifications for the occurrence of the accidents described are related to the curiosity behavior of I. geoffrensis during the pursuit of their prey; coastal dolphins (S. guianensis and T. truncatus) tend to swim at high speeds and collide with the boats; and the baleen whales collide while they are trying to protect their calves and during night time, when there is low visibility. In order to decrease the number of these accidents, co-management is proposed, in which local members, researchers and the government would work together to encourage the collective feeling of ownership within the communities aiming to minimize the number of collisions.
... The cost of such an accidental interaction can result in a high financial loss for the fishers, since during the accidents, damages to fishing gear, fuel expenses and loss of fishing effort can occur. In addition, the animals can suffer injuries or even die (Filla and Monteiro-Filho, 2009; Zappes et al., 2013). Negative interactions that involve dolphins and baleen whales are described, as in cases of cetacean entanglement in nets and collisions with boats (Cassoff et al., 2011; Lagueux et al., 2011). ...
... Studies involving ethnobiological issues and environmental conflicts of artisanal fishers and cetaceans indicate initial results and are conducted in specific regions of the western South Atlantic Ocean and Central Amazon (Souza and Begossi, 2007; Freitas Netto and Di Beneditto, 2008; Peterson et al., 2008; Zappes et al., 2009 Zappes et al., , 2011 Alves et al., 2012). Regarding baleen whales, there is only one ethnobiological study based on local knowledge of artisanal fishers that describe interactions between fishers and the large cetaceans (Zappes et al., 2013). In Brazil, there are some examples of successful projects with active participation of stakeholders that contributed in the organization and implantation of public politics in order to minimize environmental conflicts. ...
... This was considered to be sufficient in order to characterize an ideal sampling size, as suggested by, Alexiades (1996) and Mason (2010). Other studies on ethnobiology of fishers with respect to marine mammals in southern and southeastern Brazil were conducted with sample rates equivalent to this study: Souza and Begossi (2007) in the State of São Paulo; Peterson et al. (2008) in the State of Santa Catarina; Zappes et al. (2009) in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo; Zappes et al. (2011) in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and Zappes et al. (2013) in the State of Santa Catarina. ...
... Estudos que envolvem o conhecimento tradicional e a percepção de atores locais a partir da aplicação de entrevistas podem ser utilizados na elaboração e execução do gerenciamento participativo (Abreu et al. 2017). Essas pesquisas, mesmo que baseadas em pequeno tamanho amostral, envolvem a colaboração de partes interessadas, sendo importantes na formulação de ações voltadas à conservação do ambiente (Young et al. 2017;Zappes et al. 2013a;2013b;2016b Biodiversidade e Ecossistemas -IPBES), envolvendo um processo participativo de construção que considera disciplinas científicas, partes interessadas e conhecimentos tradicionais (Díaz et al. 2015). ...
... Atores locais são sujeitos ativos que atuam em conflitos socioambientais (Sussekind, 2014). Assim, os estudos ecológicos devem promover o diálogo entre o conhecimento tradicional e o conhecimento científico (Abreu et al. 2017;Huntington et al. 2002;Zappes et al. 2013a;2013b). ...
Neste livro apresentamos a utilização do método de entrevista e técnicas correlatas para levantamento de dados etnobiológicos e etnoecológicos em estudos sobre os cetáceos; além de apresentarmos a compilação dos estudos disponíveis envolvendo etnobiologia e etnoecologia de cetáceos da Bacia Amazônica brasileira e do Oceano Atlântico Sul Ocidental a partir do conhecimento tradicional de pescadores artesanais.
... In this sense, ethnobiological studies of fishing communities are important because the daily contact that these communities maintain with cetaceans represents an opportunity to monitor fishing activities while evaluating their impact on these populations. The need for the participation of local fishermen in the management of coastal fauna along the Brazilian Atlantic Ocean has been identified and recommended by several authors (Paz and Begossi, 1996;Begossi et al., 2002;Souza and Begossi, 2007;Zappes et al., 2013aZappes et al., , 2013b. Unfortunately, the public policy in the country disregards the importance of traditional knowledge during the preparation of strategies and rules for the management and conservation although researchers have suggested the use of this knowledge. ...
... Accidental capture affects fisheries because there is the economic loss of the artifact, the fishing efforts of the entire crew, the resources invested in fuel for the fishing boat and food for the crew while at sea (Zappes et al., 2013b). The traditional knowledge related to the causes of bottlenose dolphin entanglement in fishery equipment indicates a need for educational programs to raise awareness in the fishing communities. ...
Studies have documented the importance of understanding the traditional knowledge of artisanal fishermen regarding fishery-cetacean interactions. In this paper, we identified the effects of artisanal fisheries on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in southern Brazil (~30 S e 32 S) and searched for alternatives to decrease the possible negative effects based on fishermen's knowledge. In November and December 2009, 44 interviews were conducted with fishermen who worked in the Barra de Imb e/Tra-mandaí (n ¼ 22) and in the southern part of the Lagoa dos Patos in Rio Grande (n ¼ 22). There is an overlap between bottlenose dolphin distribution and fishery activities, which could cause an increase in bycatch frequency. According to local fishermen, more rigorous laws must be enacted to prevent entanglement. The employment of acoustic alarms in gillnets to reduce the frequency of bycatch is not well accepted because there is a widespread fear of causing a decrease in fishing efficiency.
... In terms of perception and attitude, the local fishermen were very negative towards the sea lions in the region, and with regard to the sea lion-fishing conflict. There have been a few other studies in the southern Brazilian coast that have analysed fishermen's perception on the interactions with aquatic (Barbieri et al., 2012), common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (Zappes et al., 2011) and southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) (Zappes et al., 2013). A positive perception of one of these aquatic mammal species by fishermen was only described in the case of the common bottlenose dolphins (Zappes et al., 2011), due to its cooperative fishing with local fishermen in the mouth of the Tramandaí Estuary (Simões-Lopes et al., 1998). ...
... All fishermen reported that otters interfered with fishing activities and about 86% described them as the most inconvenient animal for the local fisheries activities, although about 42% considered the damage attributed to the otters as ''small''. Zappes et al. (2013) interviewed 27 fishermen that work in the Southern Right Whale Environmental Preservation Area (EPA), in SC, about 180 km north to WRIL. Fifty-two percent of the fishermen described negative interactions related to whales ''tearing and/or dragging the gillnets'', but in the fishermen's eyes this type of interaction had minimal impact on the fishery. ...
We analysed the fishermen’s perceptions on the South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and its interactions with the local fishery close to the Wildlife Refuge of Ilha dos Lobos, a marine protected area in southern Brazil. Sea lions prey upon the same resources targeted by the fishermen. They repeatedly hunt on the nets and consequently damage them. In response, fishermen persecute sea lions. However, in conflicts with high-profile animals, the perceived damage often exceeds the actual evidence. Results from 100 interviews revealed that fishermen’s perception of damage and their attitudes were affected by age, hierarchical position in the crew, if fishing was the only source of income, and level of formal education. Greater perception of damage and more negative attitude were found among older, less educated sailor fishermen who had no other source of income besides fishing. The average fisherman had a relatively good knowledge about sea lions, but also a negative attitude towards them. We recommend actions addressing these negative attitudes through environmental education, with emphasis on adjusting exaggerated perceptions of impact and the potential of the species for wildlife tourism, as a vital step towards the conciliation of sustainable fisheries and O. flavescens conservation in the Brazilian coast.
... Studies of the bottlenose dolphin have reported that bycatches in fisheries are fairly rare (Praderi, 1985Praderi, , 1990), but these captures do occur and are caused by gillnets (Praderi, 1985; Franco-Trecu et al., 2009). Traditional fishing communities can provide practical and theoretical information based on their observations of the biology and ecology of animals distributed in their region (Costa-Neto, 2000; Zappes et al., 2013b ). This information represents the accumulation of years of experience in activities related to the use of marine resources in the environment in which they live, allowing the construction of a culture integrated with nature as well as appropriate forms of management. ...
... The total overlap in their use of these areas allows daily encounters between fishermen and dolphins, the development of cooperative fishing and extended periods of time for the fishermen to observe the dolphins (Sim~ Lopes, 1991; Zappes et al., 2011a Zappes et al., , 2013a). This contact allows the fishermen to establish empirical knowledge of the dolphins with which they coexist (Mour~ ao et al., 2006; Zappes et al., 2009 Zappes et al., , 2013b). In the AC area of southeastern Brazil, the interviewees do not encounter the bottlenose dolphin throughout the full year due to the seasonal occurrence of the population in this region (Barbosa et al., 2008; Lodi, 2009 ). ...
... Traditional fishing communities can provide practical and theoretical information based on their observations of the biology and ecology of animals distributed in their region (Costa-Neto, 2000;Zappes et al., 2013b). This information represents the accumulation of years of experience in activities related to the use of marine resources in the environment in which they live, allowing the construction of a culture integrated with nature as well as appropriate forms of management. ...
... The total overlap in their use of these areas allows daily encounters between fishermen and dolphins, the development of cooperative fishing and extended periods of time for the fishermen to observe the dolphins (Sim~ oes-Lopes, 1991; Zappes et al., 2011aZappes et al., , 2013a). This contact allows the fishermen to establish empirical knowledge of the dolphins with which they coexist (Mour~ ao et al., 2006;Zappes et al., 2009Zappes et al., , 2013b). In the AC area of southeastern Brazil, the interviewees do not encounter the bottlenose dolphin throughout the full year due to the seasonal occurrence of the population in this region ( Barbosa et al., 2008;Lodi, 2009). ...
... Traditional fishing communities can provide practical and theoretical information based on their observations of the biology and ecology of animals distributed in their region (Costa-Neto, 2000;Zappes et al., 2013b). This information represents the accumulation of years of experience in activities related to the use of marine resources in the environment in which they live, allowing the construction of a culture integrated with nature as well as appropriate forms of management. ...
... The total overlap in their use of these areas allows daily encounters between fishermen and dolphins, the development of cooperative fishing and extended periods of time for the fishermen to observe the dolphins (Simões-Lopes, 1991; Zappes et al., 2011aZappes et al., , 2013a. This contact allows the fishermen to establish empirical knowledge of the dolphins with which they coexist (Mourão et al., 2006;Zappes et al., 2009Zappes et al., , 2013b. In the AC area of southeastern Brazil, the interviewees do not encounter the bottlenose dolphin throughout the full year due to the seasonal occurrence of the population in this region (Barbosa et al., 2008;Lodi, 2009). ...
... As a response to the problem of measuring tourism sustainability, scholars argue that ecotourism is an important community-based conservation option that fosters development (Young, 1999;Zappes et al., 2013), especially in countries where environmental degradation impedes equitable access to resources that undermine poverty (Young, 1999). Furthermore, it has also been understood that nature-based tourism involves the development of non-extractive recreational activities (Alban et al., 2006). ...
... As Abrolhos Bank region might be considered the spot of higher relative and absolute probabilities of negative interactions between humpback whales and vessels, mitigation actions should focus mainly on this area. Nonetheless, the Brazilian coast is an important habitat to many baleen whale populations and therefore more species-speci c risk assessments are needed [73][74][75] . For example, right whales are highly vulnerable to collisions and inhabit main shallow waters in southern Brazil to breed and raise calves 10,76 . ...
Increasing anthropogenic threats in the marine environment requires continued assessments of their potential effects on the marine megafauna. In recent years, ship strikes have become an important source of mortality to large whales. Here we integrated telemetry and traffic data to assess vessel collision risk on humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) off the central coast of Brazil between 2016 and 2019. A state-space model was used to account for observation error and to regularize telemetry data. Residence time and proportion of time spent at the surface ( i.e. , the upper 10m layer of the water column) by whales combined with fleet-specific vessel density were used as proxies to estimate the relative probability of vessels encountering whales available to a collision. We also identified areas where potential encounters were likely to inflict lethal injuries on whales based on vessel length and speed. The cargo fleet was the most densely distributed, and along with the tanker fleet, represent a great concern to humpback whales in Brazil. A higher risk of collision was recorded on the Abrolhos Bank, the main breeding ground for this population. By incorporating comprehensive whale- and vessel-related information, this study highlights the importance of spatially explicit risk assessments for the conservation of humpback whales in Brazil.
... This method might also be useful for a conflict analysis between a lesser researched cetacean species and fisheries, such as the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis, Desmoulins, 1822) (Figueiredo et al., 2017;Zappes et al., 2013). Similarly, identification of risk areas for the endangered guitarfish with limited data enabled a valuable case study with wider management implementations and protection (Giovos et al., 2018). ...
Increasing depletion of fish stocks in the Mediterranean Sea intensifies conflicts between fisheries and marine mammals, such as the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu, 1821). To increase the knowledge of such interactions in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, fishing activities of commercial fisheries and biomass of fish families targeted by fisheries and T. truncatus were analysed to identify areas that are more likely to be affected by these conflicts in the Dodecanese region of Greece. The area with the highest risk of conflict is located between Kos and Leros islands and the southwest coast of Turkey, which is mainly caused by trawl fishing activities. The presence of Sparidae, Merlucciidae, Mullidae and other unspecified fish families increased the likelihood of conflicts. Our applied method and results can be used to improve fishing regulations and management to diminish similar conflicts elsewhere in the world.
... Current theories as to the cause(s) include predation from kelp gull attacks (Sironi et al. 2018). There have been reports of SRW vessel strikes and entanglements (Van Waerebeek et al. 2007, Kemper et al. 2008, Zappes et al. 2013. However, these events have not precluded the species from a substantial post-whaling recovery (Fig. 1). ...
Whaling has decimated North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis (NARW) since the 11th century and southern right whales E. australis (SRW) since the 19th century. Today, NARWs are Critically Endangered and decreasing, whereas SRWs are recovering. We review NARW health assessment literature, NARW Consortium databases, and efforts and limitations to monitor individual and species health, survival, and fecundity. Photographs are used to track individual movement and external signs of health such as evidence of vessel and entanglement trauma. Post-mortem examinations establish cause of death and determine organ pathology. Photogrammetry is used to assess growth rates and body condition. Samples of blow, skin, blubber, baleen and feces quantify hormones that provide information on stress, reproduction, and nutrition, identify microbiome changes, and assess evidence of infection. We also discuss models of the population consequences of multiple stressors, including the connection between human activities (e.g. entanglement) and health. Lethal and sublethal vessel and entanglement trauma have been identified as major threats to the species. There is a clear and immediate need for expanding trauma reduction measures. Beyond these major concerns, further study is needed to evaluate the impact of other stressors, such as pathogens, microbiome changes, and algal and industrial toxins, on NARW reproductive success and health. Current and new health assessment tools should be developed and used to monitor the effectiveness of management measures and will help determine whether they are sufficient for a substantive species recovery.
... The use of surveys and interviews is an alternative method, which has the advantages of being relatively fast and less costly than traditional methods (Moore et al., 2010;Braulik et al., 2018). This method has been successful in generating information on dolphins and the effect of ecotourism (Walpole and Goodwin, 2010;Cegarra and Pacheco, 2017), on community perceptions toward dolphins and other species (Dowling, 1993;Dawson et al., 2004;Scott and Parsons, 2005) as well as in generating information on interactions with fisheries (Avila et al., 2008;Antunes Zappes et al., 2013;Quintana-Rizzo, 2014). ...
The use of small cetaceans as bait is a practice that has been reported worldwide,
affecting the conservation status of vulnerable species. In Peru specifically, it has been
documented since at least the late 1990s. Here we document the various contemporary
uses of small cetaceans, including targeted capture for subsequent use as fishing
bait. We designed a survey addressing fishery characteristics, bycatch and the use
as bait of small cetaceans, and the history of these practice. We surveyed 147 fishers
based in the four Peruvian ports of Paita, Salaverry, Pucusana, and Ilo and held in-
depth interviews with 12 fishers from Salaverry and Pucusana. Results from our surveys
show that the majority of fishers have had small cetacean bycatch while fishing and that
bycaught individuals in gillnets are commonly found dead (Salaverry: 100% of fishers,
Pucusana: 58%) whereas in longlines small cetaceans are found alive (Paita: 74%, Ilo:
53%). We found that the use of dolphins as bait is still common in both gillnet and
longline shark fisheries along the coast of Peru and that it is more frequent in northern
ports. Gillnet fishers reported using one to four dolphins as bait per trip (10–15 sets)
from bycatch events and discarding the rest if they have excessive bycatch, while
longline fishers reported using 10–20 dolphins per fishing trip from either direct take
by harpooning or the exchange of carcasses from gillnet vessels. Bycatch and use
as bait mainly affects four species, the dusky, bottlenose and common dolphins and
the Burmeister’s porpoise. We identified three drivers of the use of dolphins as bait:
effectiveness, availability and cost. These factors will have to be addressed in parallel
if this practice is to be reduced. We recommend combining legislative and community-
led strategies to reduce bait use and thus further the conservation of small cetacean
populations in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
... This sample number (n = 80) was sufficient to assess the knowledge of the fishermen, since from this sample no new information was identified during the interviews, characterizing the 'saturation point' (Mason, 2010). Another justify is related to the fact that after the 10th interview there is no new information in the reports, as the same fisherman can work on another fishing vessel, creating the same pattern of responses (Zappes et al., 2013). The questionnaire aimed to register the fishermen ethnooceanographic predictions during the interview days. ...
The ethnooceanographic knowledge can be understood as a body of information artisanal fishermen have acquired and developed from empiricism for perceiving and predicting conditions at the sea, which guarantee their safety. In this sense, the aim of the present study is to compare ethnooceanographic predictions from artisanal fishermen from the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil, with the official meteorological forecast from Brazilian institutes, identifying which one is more used by fishermen for their safety on board. From June to August 2018, we conducted 80 ethnographic interviews and compared their informations with predictions of the following institutes: National Institute of Meteorology (NIMET – Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia), the Weather Forecast and Climate Studies Center/National Institute for Space Research (WFCSC/NISR - Centro de Previsão de Tempo e Estudos Climaticos/Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais) and the Hydrography and Navigation Board (HNB – Diretoria de Hidrografia e Navegação). Official ethnooceanographic predictions related to ‘waves height’ were concordant in 42.5% (n = 34) and discordant in 57.5% (n = 46) to interviews. Predictions related to the ‘wind speed’ were concordant in 58.7% (n = 47) and discordant in 41.3% (n = 33) to the interviews. Regarding tides height, most fishermen (82.5%; n = 66) consider 1.2 m or more as ‘favorable to the fishery’, and lower than 1.0 m as ‘unfavourable to fishery’. In Brazil, ethnooceanographic predictions are more used by fishermen to assure their safety on board and the success for their fishery.
... This sample number (n = 80) was sufficient to assess the knowledge of the fishermen, since from this sample no new information was identified during the interviews, characterizing the 'saturation point' (Mason, 2010). Another justify is related to the fact that after the 10th interview there is no new information in the reports, as the same fisherman can work on another fishing vessel, creating the same pattern of responses (Zappes et al., 2013). The questionnaire aimed to register the fishermen ethnooceanographic predictions during the interview days. ...
The ethnooceanographic knowledge can be understood as a body of information artisanal fishermen have acquired and developed from empiricism for perceiving and predicting conditions at the sea, which guarantee their safety. In this sense, the aim of the present study is to compare ethnooceanographic predictions from artisanal fishermen from the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil, with the official meteorological forecast from Brazilian institutes, identifying which one is more used by fishermen for their safety on board. From June to August 2018, we conducted 80 ethnographic interviews and compared their informations with predictions of the following institutes: National Institute of Meteorology (NIMET – Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia), the Weather Forecast and Climate Studies Center/National Institute for Space Research (WFCSC/NISR - Centro de Previs˜ao de Tempo e Estudos Climaticos/Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais) and the Hydrography
and Navigation Board (HNB – Diretoria de Hidrografia e Navegação). Official ethnooceanographic predictions related to ‘waves height’ were concordant in 42.5% (n = 34) and discordant in 57.5% (n = 46) to interviews. Predictions related to the ‘wind speed’ were concordant in 58.7% (n = 47) and discordant in 41.3% (n = 33) to the interviews. Regarding tides height, most fishermen (82.5%; n = 66) consider 1.2 m or more as ‘favorable to the fishery’, and lower than 1.0 m as ‘unfavourable to fishery’. In Brazil, ethnooceanographic predictions are more used by fishermen to assure their safety on board and the success for their fishery
... Kesulitan yang terutama adalah mengelola (memonitor dan mengatur) aktivitas manusia yang berpotensi merugikan di areal yang luas (Hooker et al., 2011). Rute migrasi satwa laut seringkali bertabrakan dengan kegiatan lain seperti pelayaran komersial, stasiun energi alami (yaitu angin dan gelombang) dan daerah yang digunakan oleh angkatan bersenjata (misalnya Mullen et al., 2013) atau sumber daya penting perikanan (misalnya Zappes et al., 2013). ...
The Whale Shark (Rinchodon typus) is a species of pelagic fish with the largest size in the world and has a very wide range of movements. By understanding the migration of whale sharks a number of important policies can be immediately applied to preserve the population of this species in nature. This paper aims to provide an overview of the concept and application of spatial science and technology to map and model the migration of whale shark species. This paper is the result of a review of various literatures, both scientific journal articles and books related to mapping and modeling of common marine animals and whale sharks in particular. The paper begins with a description of the bioecological aspects and threats to the whale shark population. Furthermore, the concept of mapping and modeling of whale shark migration will be described, covering important factors in mapping and modeling, development of marine geographic information migration model (GIS) and application of whale shark migration modeling. The conclusion from the review is that bioecological characteristics and patterns of whale shark migration cause these species to be vulnerable to various threats from both natural factors and human activities. Migration mapping and modeling is generally based on environmental variation or oceanographic factors and species movement types. Accurate mapping and modeling results will be of great value in planning and policies regarding the management and conservation of whale shark species.
... The importance of fishing as a subsistence strategy for coastal communities in South America has been well documented. Diverse investigations have been conducted that include the assessment and conservation of trophic interactions (Neira and Arancibia 2004;Netto and Pereira 2009;Zappes et al. 2013), socio-ecological systems at different fisheries scales (Defeo and Castilla 2012), local knowledge of fishermen on marine resource biology and sustainable management (Castellanos-Galindo et al. 2017;Gerhardinger et al. 2006; Thompson and Volpedo 2018), and gender roles in fisheries economies (Harper et al. 2017). ...
The subsistence strategies that coastal fishing communities have developed over time are closely related to their interaction with the sea. Fishing is generally the principal economic activity of the members of these communities; however, the use of botanical resources has also contributed to their subsistence through time. This is the case of the Huanchaco fishing community that live on the north coast of Peru. They use reeds to construct sea vessels for fishing and other plants growing locally for diverse economic and cultural activities. To study their traditional relationships with useful plants, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 40 members of the fishing community. The objective of this research was to determine the use of local plants for daily activities and the intracultural variation of that knowledge as it relates to age and gender. Results showed that people use plants for food, medicinal, and industrial purposes, and that women and elderly people are more knowledgeable about medicinal and industrial plants than their male and younger counterparts. Although processes of modernization have influenced many aspects of the fishing community’s lifestyle, the existing TEK suggests that plants still play an important role in their daily subsistence strategies.
... Further study, that includes a wider range of experts and types of HWC situations, will no doubt be able to improve on these initial findings and provide additional insights and tools that can help conservation professionals develop these RTs. For example, this report is based on HWC situations involving large, terrestrial mammals such as elephants and tigers, but there are many HWC situations involving marine 32 or smaller species 33 that could provide further insight and help improve recommendations. ...
Creating village response teams to help manage human-wildlife conflict incidents
... LEK also includes potential bias, uncertainty, or error, however, which can hinder straightforward interpretation, meaning that careful data collection and analysis methods are required (Davis & Wagner, 2003). In recent decades, LEK has been increasingly recognized as part of the conservation management toolkit (Brook & McLachlan, 2008;Paudel, Levesque, Saavedra, Pita, & Pal, 2016), and community-based interviews are frequently used to gather large-scale LEK datasets across wide geographic areas (Zappes, da Silva, Pontalti, Danielski, & Di Beneditto, 2013). ...
•The successful conservation of marine mammals is often dependent upon support from local fishing communities, and valuable conservation insights can be obtained through understanding fishers’ attitudes and awareness of marine mammals.
• A new local ecological knowledge dataset was obtained through large‐scale questionnaire‐based interviews with 510 artisanal fishers from 16 coastal fishing communities around Hainan, China. Almost all respondents (92.7%) reported regular encounters with marine mammals. Many respondents reported negative interactions with marine mammals, including bycatch (25.5%), consumption (36.1%), and the sale of meat (9.2%), and respondent perceptions of marine mammals were often negative.
• Generalized linear models (GLMs) indicated that respondent experiences of marine mammal encounters and bycatch events were mainly predicted by indices of fishing effort and experience, rather than by geographic or socio‐economic factors. Respondent experiences of eating or selling marine mammal meat were predicted by geographic location and by some livelihood and socio‐economic factors. Respondent perceptions of marine mammals were instead predicted by fishing experience and education level.
• Classification and regression trees (CARTs) showed that the most important factors determining respondent experiences and perceptions were number of fishing years and educational level, respectively. Both GLMs and CARTs indicated the complex effects of geographic, livelihood, and socio‐economic factors on respondent experiences and perceptions of marine mammals.
• Regional community‐based conservation of marine mammals could be promoted through improved regulatory management and environmental education, sustainable ecological exploitation and economic development, and positive partnerships and collaboration between fishing communities, enforcement agencies, and researchers.
... This study does not intend to identify possible errors in LEK but, rather, to recognise the aspects of such knowledge could complement the scientific knowledge for the maintenance of the U. cordatus population at sustainable levels for long-term exploitation. The exchange of information between scientific and traditional knowledge can be complex because of differences in the language used by local actors and researchers, which makes it difficult to understand each other (Zappes et al., 2013). Therefore, a cross-cultural relationship (local actors and researchers) is important for mutual understanding to achieve positive results regarding resource management practices (Thomas, 1993;Pena et al., 2017). ...
Mangrove ecosystems and their resources are important for traditional coastal communities. We analysed the efficiency of traditional management practices developed by crab (Ucides cordatus) gatherers in the mangrove forest of the Paraíba do Sul River estuary (∼21°S), south-eastern Brazil, considering the carapace width of specimens harvested for commercial purposes in two different periods (2002–03 and 2015–16). The continuity of this crab harvest between 2002 and 2016 was likely possible because of decreased harvest pressure, which does not necessarily represent the traditional management efficiency needed to sustain this resource. Thus, this crab harvest system may be more fragile than expected by the local gatherers. Community-based proposals for the management of this U. cordatus harvest system, which integrate communities, researchers and decision-makers, can improve both local productivity and ecosystem-resource maintenance, mitigating local conflicts.
... This pattern may be attributed to the large amounts of gillnets used by local fishers in this region. Owing to their low cost and high fish catch efficiency, gillnets are popular worldwide in artisanal fisheries (Zappes et al., 2013). Marine mammals are consequently seriously threatened by gillnets at a global scale, especially in developing countries (Read, 2008). ...
Bycatch mortality is a significant driver of marine mammal population declines. However, there is little information available on patterns or magnitude of bycatch mortality in many heavily fished Asian marine systems such as the South China Sea (SCS). To address this limited knowledge base, we conducted interviews with fishers to gather local ecological knowledge on marine mammal bycatch around Hainan Island, China. Gillnets were the primary fishing gear used in local fisheries, and were also responsible for the majority of reported marine mammal bycatch events in recent decades. Bycatch events were reported from all seasons but were most frequent in spring (38.4%), which might relate to seasonal variation in fishing activities. The spatial pattern of relative bycatch densities for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-Pacific finless porpoises and unidentified small dolphins varied around Hainan and neighbouring waters. A substantial proportion of informants (36.1 and 9.2% respectively) reported that they have eaten or sold marine mammal meat, demonstrating the continued existence of cultural practices of consuming marine mammals on Hainan. Responses of fishers to bycatch events were dependent both on their existing attitudes and perceptions towards marine mammals and on other sociocultural factors. Almost half of informants agreed that marine mammal populations in the SCS have decreased. Declines were thought by informants to have been caused by overfishing, water pollution and vessel collisions, with bycatch responsible for further declines in dolphins.
... In SC artisanal fisheries are an important income source for local traditional communities. As a consequence, the use of gillnets close to shore (up to 1000 m from coast) cause whale entanglements every season (Pontalti and Danielski, 2011;Antunes Zappes et al., 2013). Additionally, within the Right Whale EPA, there is a commercial harbor from which shipping traffic potentially exposes whales to loss of communication space , stress (Rolland et al., 2012), and vessel strikes (Mullen et al., 2013). ...
Aiming to gather information on southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) mother-calf pairs' vocal behavior, archival acoustic recorders were deployed at a calving area off Brazil. Manual inspection of spectrograms revealed seven call classes: upcall, downcall, down-upcall, tonal variable, tonal constant, hybrid, and pulsive calls, which are consistent with those previously described for this species in Argentina. Gunshots and warbles, vocalizations described from other right whale species, were not detected. Mean values of start, end, maximum, minimum and peak frequencies, frequency bandwidth and duration were calculated for each call class. Start and end frequencies, frequency bandwidth and duration of upcalls recorded off Brazil were compared to those from other right whale populations and species. Only mean duration of upcalls from Brazil were significantly different from upcalls from all other populations. Differences in call duration may be driven by differences in demographic factors or background noise features among study areas. The repertoire characterization presented in this study will contribute to increase the utility of passive acoustic monitoring as a tool for conservation and research of southern right whales off Brazil as it provides important baseline information on the vocal behavior of this species.
... In SC artisanal fisheries are an important income source for local traditional communities. As a consequence, the use of gillnets close to shore (up to 1000 m from coast) cause whale entanglements every season (Pontalti and Danielski, 2011;Antunes Zappes et al., 2013). Additionally, within the Right Whale EPA, there is a commercial harbor from which shipping traffic potentially exposes whales to loss of communication space , stress (Rolland et al., 2012), and vessel strikes (Mullen et al., 2013). ...
Aiming to gather information on southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) mother-calf pairs' vocal behavior, archival acoustic recorders were deployed at a calving area off Brazil. Manual inspection of spectrograms revealed seven call classes: upcall, downcall, down-upcall, tonal variable , tonal constant, hybrid, and pulsive calls, which are consistent with those previously described for this species in Argentina. Gunshots and warbles, vocalizations described from other right whale species, were not detected. Mean values of start, end, maximum, minimum and peak frequencies, frequency bandwidth and duration were calculated for each call class. Start and end frequencies, frequency bandwidth and duration of upcalls recorded off Brazil were compared to those from other right whale populations and species. Only mean duration of upcalls from Brazil were significantly different from upcalls from all other populations. Differences in call duration may be driven by differences in demographic factors or background noise features among study areas. The repertoire characterization presented in this study will contribute to increase the utility of passive acoustic monitoring as a tool for conservation and research of southern right whales off Brazil as it provides important baseline information on the vocal behavior of this species.
... Life histories are considered particularly useful where information is scarce or conceptualisation limited; as they provide a rich source of contextually situated (historical, social, economic and cultural) knowledge, while exploring the complexities of individual realities [45,26]. Face-toface interviewing also grants freedom to respondents, encouraging confidence and minimising the gap between interviewee and researcher [92,86]. ...
Should rural commercial small-scale fishing opportunities be closed to minimise effort and safeguard marine resources or open to offer livelihood support? In the Bijagós Archipelago (Guinea-Bissau) investigating employment pathways indicates that the sector is encouraging a diversity of institutions to flourish, reaffirming our understanding of the critical ‘safety-net’ function small-scale fishing affords. Results support the need to examine developing country smaller-scale fisheries in terms of wider social opportunities and not purely in terms of their own limitations.
This study compares local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), Brazil, related to the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei). We conducted 330 ethnographic interviews in ten fishing communities in southern and southeastern Brazil between 2012 and 2018. Boolean or Classic Logic was used to identify 95 fishers who were able to recognize the franciscana dolphin accordingly to the taxonomic entity P. blainvillei: 23 in northern Espírito Santo state, one in southern Espírito Santo, 20 in northern Rio de Janeiro state, and 51 in northern Paraná state. Among these 95 fishers, 87.4% (n = 83) reported incidental captures in fishing nets. Among these, 52 (54.7%) did not know any solution to this problem. Interviews revealed that the fishers usually discard carcasses in the sea after fat and muscle tissue are removed so that they can be used as bait for shark fishing or as food. In Southeastern Brazil, fishers LEK related to their ability to identify franciscana dolphin varied from 'no identification' and 'extremely low identification' to 'partial' and 'good identification,' while in southern Brazil, fishers mainly presented a 'good identification' of the dolphins. We propose comanagement actions to conserve the franciscana dolphin in the SWAO.
In order to contribute to the management of small-scale trawling fishing of the Xiphopenaeus kroyeri shrimp, the aim of this study was to evaluate the local ecological knowledge (LEK) and the conservationist attitudes of artisanal fishers in four fishing communities along the central Brazilian coast. This study was based on 80 ethnographic interviews conducted in two communities are in the state of Bahia (Santa Cruz Cabrália and Barra de Caravelas) and two communities in the state of Espírito Santo (Barra Nova and Anchieta). The fishers present knowledge compliance with literature, except in aspects reproductive of the shrimp and are willing to exchange knowledge with researchers. The mean attitude index of the fishers was 0.65. Education activities should focus on the reproductive biology of shrimp to include fishing communities in the drafting of legislation about closed season period, as this issue is directly related to possible divergences between fishers do not adhere to them. The results suggest that, dialogue and knowledge exchange is necessary among the stakeholders, including the fishers, scientists and managers, who are responsible for the elaboration of management measures.
O documento foi o produto de uma consultoria para a Secretaria de Biodiversidade do Ministério do Meio Ambiente (disponível em http://diretoriopre.mma.gov.br/index.php/category/56-gef-ogu-mar-projeto-areas-marinhas-protegidas?doc=2) e trata da identificação e caracterização das áreas relevantes para a pesca artesanal e das principais interações com espécies da megafauna marinha sensíveis biologicamente nas regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil (RS, PR, SC e SP)
当地生态知识（local ecological knowledge，LEK）是指人们在长期的生活体验和生产实践中，获得的有关周边环境、
生物资源及其相互关系的经验和知识。近几十年来，LEK 在海洋哺乳动物研究中得到了广泛的应用和发展，尤其是在基础相
对薄弱的发展中国家或地区，LEK 作为一种低成本、短周期且适合大范围调查的手段，日益成为研究人员获取目标物种生态信
息的重要渠道。LEK 与野外实地调查等获得的数据可以互补，从而为评估海洋哺乳动物的生存状况和环境变化提供多维度的
信息来源；该方法还往往是了解目标物种生存状况历史变动的有效手段，回答传统方法很难甚至无法回答的科学问题，如目标
物种在较长时间尺度上的生态信息历史变化趋势等。本文介绍了LEK 的定义及特征、海洋哺乳动物及其传统生态调查方法、
LEK 在海洋哺乳动物中的研究进展、应用LEK 开展海洋哺乳动物研究的步骤，还讨论了LEK 在我国海洋哺乳动物研究中的应
用前景和推广价值，旨在为今后相关研究提供参考资料。
During the austral winter/spring time southern right whales occur in coastal waters of Brazil. The species was historically distributed between the southern and northeastern coast of Brazil but was severely depleted by commercial whaling until 1973. In the early 1980s, whales were ‘rediscovered’ in this region and have been studied there since then by the “Right Whale Project”, a research and conservation program created with the aim of ensure the survival and recovery of the right whale population in Brazilian waters. Their main aggregation area is in the shallow and protected bays of the central-southern coast of Santa Catarina State. This area is marine protected area – Right Whale Environmental Protection Area (RWEPA). This chapter provides information on the species research techniques and conservation advances in Brazil.
Small-scale fishers working in the West African Bijagós Archipelago are predominantly regional in-migrants, often living in isolated fishing camps (or economic enclaves) where capture, processing and trading activities occur. This paper explores the factors driving the fishing camp formation, relations with non-camp communities and interactions with prominent authority groups. One camp, presented here in the context of an anthropological case study, lost access to Ancopado beach during the designation of Orango National Park. Following violent evictions, migrant fishers shifted their efforts into less-observed waters, introducing challenging power negotiations with indigenous Bijagós islanders and fisheries authorities. Fishing persists inside the marine protected area, indicative of non-compliance by small-scale fishers who continue to resist a weak resource management agenda. The implications of this situation are discussed in terms of human rights to fish.
Were described the fishing activity practiced in Cabo Frio, eastern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, and its interaction with cetaceans by the fishermen's perception, and was checked if traditional management actions are developed to minimize the possible negative interactions between fisheries and these animals. From July to November 2012, 45 ethnographic interviews were conducted with local fishermen. The fishermen are male, aged predominantly between 34 to 51 years old, and with low formal education level. Line types (hand line and long line) were preferably used as fishing artifacts and the main products were teleost fish (demersal and pelagic). All fishermen interviewed reported the occurrence of cetaceans in the region. Whales are sighted mainly in the summer time, when their presence is related to food availability according to fishermen, and in winter and spring time due the migratory movements that include this region as a route. Dolphins occur throughout the year and their presence is related to food availability. All reports of interactions between cetaceans and fisheries were classified as negative. Interactions with fishing artifacts and boats collision were mentioned only by 24% (n = 11) and 4% (n = 2) of the interviewed to whales and dolphins, respectively. Despite the high overlap between fishing areas and animals occurrence, there was not verify traditional management actions considering the cetaceans. This reflects the low negative interaction between fishing activity and these animals in the region.
Foram descritas a atividade de pesca artesanal praticada no município de Cabo Frio, costa leste do Rio de Janeiro, e as interações com os cetáceos na região a partir da percepção dos pescadores, verificando-se a existência de manejo tradicional para minimizar as possíveis interações negativas entre a pesca e esses animais. Entre julho e novembro de 2012 foram realizadas 45 entrevistas etnográficas com pescadores que atuam na região. Os pescadores eram do sexo masculino, com idade predominante entre 34 e 51 anos e baixa escolaridade formal. As modalidades de linha (linha-de-mão e espinhel) foram os petrechos preferencialmente utilizados, e os principais produtos capturados foram peixes ósseos (demersais e pelágicos). Todos os entrevistados relataram a ocorrência de cetáceos na região. Avistagens de baleias ocorreram principalmente no verão, segundo os pescadores, devido í disponibilidade de alimento, e no inverno e na primavera, a partir de movimentos migratórios que incluem a região como rota. Os golfinhos ocorreram ao longo do ano todo e sua presença foi relacionada í disponibilidade de alimento. Todos os relatos de interações entre cetáceos e a pesca foram classificados como negativos. Interações dos animais com petrechos de pesca e colisões com embarcações foram indicadas por 24% (n = 11) e 4% (n = 2) dos entrevistados, para baleias e golfinhos respectivamente. Apesar da elevada sobreposição entre as áreas de pesca e de ocorrência dos animais, não se verificou a existência de um sistema de manejo tradicional da pesca considerando os cetáceos. Isso reflete a baixa interação negativa entre a pesca e os animais na região.
The establishment of protected corridors linking the breeding and foraging grounds of many migratory species remains deficient, particularly in the world’s oceans. For example, Australia has recently established
a network of Commonwealth Marine Reserves, supplementing existing State reserves, to protect a wide range of resident and migratory marine species; however, the routes used by mobile species to access these sites are often unknown. The flatback marine turtle (Natator depressus) is endemic to the continental shelf of Australia, yet information is not available about how this species uses the marine area. We used a geospatial approach to delineate a coastal corridor from 73 adult female flatback postnesting migratory tracks from four rookeries along the north-west coast of Australia. A core corridor of 1,150 km length and
30,800 km2 area was defined, of which 52 % fell within 11 reserves, leaving 48 % (of equivalent size to several Commonwealth Reserves) of the corridor outside of the reserve network. Despite limited data being available for other marine wildlife in this region, humpback whale migratory tracks overlapped with 96 % of the core corridor, while the tracks of three other species overlapped by 5–10 % (blue
whales, olive ridley turtles, whale sharks). The overlap in the distribution ranges of at least 20 other marine vertebrates (dugong, cetaceans, marine turtles, sea snakes, crocodiles, sharks) with the corridor also imply potential use. In conclusion, this study provides valuable information towards proposing new locations requiring protection, as well as identifying high-priority network linkages between
existing marine protected areas.
This paper explores the socio-ecological effects of increased aquaculture/farmed fish production, around the island group of Frøya in Trøndelag, Norway, as a result of new licenses accorded to the industry. This is investigated from a stakeholder perspective by assessing the adaptive capacity of selected stakeholder groups through workshops combining Scenario Analysis, Systems Thinking and Bayesian Belief Network and by
developing conceptual frameworks and structural diagrams that visualize the perceived effects of the industry on the given stakeholder system. This adaptive capacity is critical to explore before a de facto industry expansion.
This is because context-specific adaptation policies and measures can reduce a given stakeholder group´s vulnerability to negative consequences of industry expansion. Policy makers’ a priori knowledge of these variables can lessen conflicts that may arise as a result of stakeholder discontent with top-down approaches to fisheries management and can also bring a legitimizing aspect to the political process leading to integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) in the region for affected stakeholder groups, possibly lessening simmering conflicts.
Gillnets and traps often are considered to have fewer holistic environmental impacts than active fishing gears. However, in addition to the targeted catches, gillnets and traps still cause unwanted mortalities due to (i) discarding, (ii) ghost fishing of derelict gear, (iii) depredation, (iv) escaping or dropping out of gear, (v) habitat damage, and potentially (vi) avoiding gear and predation and (vii) infection of injuries sustained from most of the above. Population-level concerns associated with such ‘unaccounted fishing mortalities’ from gillnets and traps have been sufficient to warrant numerous attempts at mitigation. In this article, we reviewed relevant research efforts, locating 130 studies in the primary literature that concomitantly quantified mortalities and their resolution through technical modifications, with the division of effort indicating ongoing concerns. Most studies (85) have focused on discard mortality, followed by ghost-fishing (24), depredation (10) and escape (8) mortalities. The remaining components have been poorly studied (3). All problematic mortality components are affected by key biological (e.g. species), technical (e.g. fishing mechanisms) and/or environmental (e.g. temperature) factors. We propose that these key factors should be considered as part of a strategy to reduce impacts of these gears by first assessing modifications within and then beyond conventional configurations, followed by changes to operational and handling practices. Justification for this three-tiered approach is based not only on the potential for cumulative reduction benefits, but also on the likely ease of adoption, legislation and compliance.
The zooplankton redfeed may need an international management regime in the future. An optimal resource regime from Norway’s point of view has already been hypothesized Tiller (J Environ Dev 19 (2):191–214, 2010). We expand on this hypothesis and analyze the regime preferences of other interested states: Russia, Iceland and the EU. These states will all react and respond differently to the advent of a new resource in the Northeast Atlantic and have different policy interests to bring to the negotiation table than the initiator Norway. One cannot analyze international regimes without fully comprehending the perspectives of other actors involved. It is therefore critical to look at the issues and concerns that are likely to arise on the international arena during regime negotiations and develop scenarios that account for the possible events that could materialize at that stage. This could potentially produce a more predictable end scenario in the case of the future redfeed regime, especially for Norway. In explaining this, we sketch four possible future scenarios, and proceed with discussing them in light of the potential preferences of the key actors involved. Given the enticing nature of studying a regime that has not yet materialized, the case of redfeed in the Northeast Atlantic is explored and discussed from the vantage point of actors whose cooperation with Norway is critical for the successful future operationalization of the international management regime for redfeed, namely Russia, Iceland, and the EU. Using regime formation theory and scenario analysis, mapping out the future negotiation stage of the regime formation process is undertaken. The article argues that Norway’s role as a driver for the development of this regime will steer the negotiation process and ensure the outcome that is most beneficial for Norway, with Russia acquiescent rather than aggressive.
The following article discusses how to elicit quantitative stakeholder driven scenarios as an output for use in interdisciplinary policy models using Systems Thinking and Bayesian Belief Network conjointly in a workshop setting. The usefulness of this joint method was tested on a core group of stakeholders that would likely be impacted if offshore aquaculture were to be developed in Santa Barbara, California, namely the commercial fishermen. The workshop elicited several scenarios describing stakeholder perceived notions of how offshore aquaculture could impact their industry. This joint method is a new method of developing future scenarios. These can in turn be used to develop more encompassing and interdisciplinary foresight models, early warning systems, for managers in different management areas. Models can thereby include human perception and comprehensive and quantitative scenarios by delimiting the variable paths toward each stakeholder driven scenario as additional elements in a comprehensive policy foresight recommendation tool.
This study investigated the potential conflicts between artisanal fishermen and the estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), based on the experience of fishermen living in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, in Brazil. One hundred ethnographic surveys were performed with fishermen from five colonies located at the four above-mentioned states. For statistical analysis of the results, Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance tests were performed where three or more variables were compared while the Mann-Whitney test was used for analysis of two independent variables involving qualitative data. All tests were conducted using the statistical program BioEstat 5.0. Accidental capture of estuarine dolphin individuals occurred in the five studied areas. The gillnet was reported as the only artifact responsible for these entanglements. The carcasses were consumed by the community, used as bait during fishing activities or discarded where they were found. Despite no conflict being mentioned by the fishermen, accidental capture has an impact over the estuarine dolphin but its magnitude could not be measured in this study. Studies and management actions must be carried out together in accordance with the local communities in order to propose strategies aiming to preserve the estuarine dolphin population.
The Workshop was held at the Monkey Valley Beach Resort near Cape Town, South Africa from 19-25 March 1998. It was preceded by a two-day Symposium at the Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town.
The Canary Islands, known for their extraordinarily high cetacean species diversity, have witnessed a rapid expansion in fast and high speed ferry traffic during the past few years. At the same time, ship strikes have been increasingly reported. 556 cetacean carcasses, found ashore, or reported, in the Canary Islands between 1991 and 2007, were examined. 59 strandings (10.6%) were found to involve vessel-whale collisions, the great majority of strandings (58%) occurred on Tenerife. Species most affected were sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus, n = 24, 41%), pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps, n = 10, 17%), Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris, n = 7, 12%), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus, n = 6,10%) and at least three baleen whale species (n = 9,15%). Twenty six animals (44%, n = 42) were either calves or juveniles, and one was a newborn. The temporal distribution of strandings indicates that lethal strikes have increased in recent years. Most ship strikes, assumingly by large and fast moving vessels, probably resulted in the death of the animals, as indicated by severe injuries such as huge slashes, cuts, broken vertebrae or animals separated into halves. Given these numbers and the widely accepted fact that only a portion of ship strikes will be recorded due to under-reporting and carcasses drifting away or sinking, ship strikes appear to be a major threat to cetaceans in the Canary Islands, especially to sperm whales. Moreover, the issue is a matter of human safety, as crew and passengers are at risk of being harmed, too. In this situation, a number of measures to mitigate the risk of ship strikes are recommended as a matter of high priority. These include the placement of dedicated look-outs on fast moving vessels, the shift of ferry transects where feasible, a speed limitation for local high-risk areas where cetacean abundance is notably high, the introduction of an obligatory reporting system of vessel-whale collisions and the conduction of detailed studies dealing with this pressing issue.
(Potential conflicts between fishermen and Sotalia guianensis (van Bénéden, 1864) (Cetacea, Delphinidae) in Brazil) – This study investigated the potential conflicts between artisanal fishermen and the estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), based on the experience of fishermen living in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, in Brazil. One hundred ethnographic surveys were performed with fishermen from five colonies located at the four above-mentioned states. For statistical analysis of the results, Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance tests were performed where three or more variables were compared while the Mann-Whitney test was used for analysis of two independent variables involving qualitative data. All tests were conducted using the statistical program BioEstat 5.0. Accidental capture of estuarine dolphin individuals occurred in the five studied areas. The gillnet was reported as the only artifact responsible for these entanglements. The carcasses were consumed by the community, used as bait during fishing activities or discarded where they were found. Despite no conflict being mentioned by the fishermen, accidental capture has an impact over the estuarine dolphin but its magnitude could not be measured in this study. Studies and management actions must be carried out together in accordance with the local communities in order to propose strategies aiming to preserve the estuarine dolphin population.
Aerial counts of right whale cow-calf pairs on the south coast of South Africa between 1971 and 2003 indicate an annual instantaneous population increase rate of 0.069 a year (SE 0.003) over this period. Annual photographic surveys since 1979 have resulted in 1,504 resightings of 793 individual cows with calves. Observed calving intervals ranged from 2 to 23 years, with a principal mode at 3 years and secondary modes at 6 and 9 years, but these made no allowance for missed calvings. Using the model of Payne et al. (1990), a maximum calving interval of 5 years produces the most appropriate fit to the data, giving a mean calving interval of 3.15 years with a 95 % confidence interval of (3.11, 3.18). The same model produces an estimate for adult female survival rate of 0.990 with a 95% confidence interval of (0.983, 0.997). The Payne et al. (1990) model is extended to incorporate information on the observed ages of first reproduction of grey-blazed calves, which are known to be female. This allows the estimation of first parturition (median 7.69 years with 95% confidence interval (7.06, 8.32)). First year survival rate was estimated as 0.734 (0.518, 0.95) and the instantaneous population increase rate 0.073 (0.066, 0.079). The current population is estimated as some 3,400 animals, or about 17% of initial population size: the latter parameter needs re-consideration.
In order to understand the visual ability of baleen whale, the distribution of ganglion cells in the retina of minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata was examined. The mean diameter of ganglion cells in the retina of minke whale was 42.9μm, which was greater than those of terrestrial mammals. The distribution of the ganglion cells in the retina was irregular and two high density areas existed in the temporal and rostral sectors. The rostral and temporal areas of high density seem to be related to side vision and frontal vision, respectively. Cell density measurement gave a visual acuity value of 4 cycles/degree (7 min of arc). This value for the minke whale did not differ greatly from those of other cetaceans and was similar to some terrestrial herbivorous mammals.
Vessel strikes are the leading cause of mortality for the endangered North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis. Prior to a December 2008 implementation of a mandatory, seasonally based vessel-speed rule (10 knots, 18.5 km h -1) along the eastern US seaboard, voluntary recommended speeds and routes were established. We used Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to evaluate and compare the compliance rates between the mandatory and voluntary measures to protect right whales in the southeast US critical habitat area off Florida and Georgia during the winters from 2005-06 to 2008-09. Vessel compliance was significantly higher under mandatory versus voluntary recommended speed restrictions, with compliance rates of 75 and 16%, respectively. Average vessel speeds were slower under mandatory speed restrictions (10.5 knots, 19.6 km h -1) compared to voluntary recommended speed restrictions (14.5 knots, 26.9 km h -1). Although vessels only slow down when mandated, they change their routing voluntarily. Compliance rates with voluntary recommended routes steadily increased during this period, from 43% prior to rulemaking, to 52% during the first year, 84% in the second year, and 96% in the final year of the study. Combining reduced speeds with recommended routes reduces the probability of right whale mortality from ships by 71.9% from the pre-implementation period. These results support long-term implementation of both vessel-speed reduction and restricted vessel routes for the survival and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale.
Photographs of the right whales which occur between June and December in the waters surrounding Península Valdés, Argentina, have been obtained from aerial surveys conducted each year from 1971 to the present. Resightings of previously catalogued individuals enable various demographic parameters to be estimated. From analyses of multiple resightings of females accompanied by calves, estimates of the following demographic parameters were obtained, based on the data collected during 1971-90: mean calving interval 3.35 yrs (SE = 0.05 yrs); mean age at first calving 9.1 yr (SE = 0.3 yr); adult female annual mortality rate 0.019 (SE = 0.005); annual percentage rate of population increase 6.9% (SE = 0.7%); reproductive female population size in 1990: 328 animals (SE = 21). No evidence of any trend with time in mean calving interval, mortality rate or rate of population increase was found.
List of mammals from Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. The mammal fauna from Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, is one of the least known of the country. Works on terrestrial mammals are scarce and new species of aquatic mammals have been
registered in the last years. For that reason, a commented list of the mammals of Santa
Catarina based on data gathered from scientific collections and bibliographical references
are presented. One hundred and fifty-two species of confirmed occurrence, 59 species of
possible occurrence and six species/subspecies with erroneous record for the state were
registered.
The study aims to describe the implementation of fisheries laws by the enforcing agencies and to determine the compliance level among fishers in District 1, Iloilo Province, Philippines. Composite teams were deputized and provided logistic support to enforce the fisheries laws. The increase in the number of fisheries laws violations cases filed was attributed to the strengthening of law enforcement operations in the area.An understanding of how the fisheries laws are being enforced as well as the fishers' reasons for compliance and non-compliance of fisheries laws by CRM program implementers is essential in planning for their effective dissemination and implementation and in increasing participation of stakeholders in the management of a particular resource. The establishment of a co-management structure for a common resource that involves the concerned local government units and stakeholders allows for more integrated and complementary approach in law enforcement activities. Such structures therefore lead to a much improved and strengthened enforcement of fisheries laws that affect a particular resource. Support in terms of finances, manpower, technical assistance from the local government units or LGUs is a vital element in the implementation of fisheries laws in any community. Awareness of cases of violations of the fisheries laws as well as apprehensions among the fishers also increases their consciousness about the fisheries laws and therefore is critical in improving compliance levels among them.
From 1976 to 1993, a total of 24 strandings, sightings and an incidental catch was recorded along the Brazilian South Atlantic coast between June and February. Sexually mature dwarf minke whales were recorded in the minke whale breeding ground off Brazil suggesting an overlapping in the distribution of both ordinary and dwarf minke whales. The latter represented 75% of all confirmed minke whale strandings recorded in Brazil and evidence of spatial segregation by age class was observed. Colour patterns of dwarf minke whales in the SW Atlantic are similar to those described for other areas.
The mortality of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, on the southern portion of Rio Grande do Sul State coast was investigated based on 914 beach surveys conducted between 1969 and 2006. A total of 188 stranded bottlenose dolphins were recorded during this period, indicating a 1.8M:1F sex-ratio of those animals sexed (N ¼ 79). Mortality was low in calves, high in juveniles and sub-adults and slightly lower than in adults. The overall mortality was clearly seasonal overlapping with higher fishing efforts in the Patos Lagoon Estuary and adjacent coastal areas, where most individuals washed ashore. Analysis of a continuous 14-year long subset (1993 –2006) of the data indicated relatively low levels of mortality between 1995 and 2000 and a marked increase between 2002 and 2005 followed by an apparent drop in 2006. By-catch was responsible for at least 43% of the recorded mortality between 2002 and 2006. Juvenile males were more susceptible to incidental catches. Among females, by-catch of adults represented 75%. Results of a potential biological removal analysis suggest that current levels of fishing-related mortality are unsustainable for the small resident population of bottlenose dolphins that inhabits the Patos Lagoon Estuary, and that this population may be declining.
This article outlines the trials and tribulations encountered in negotiating institutional review board approval of ethnographic research among undercover police officers and recreational drug users in dance club settings. While Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and ethnographic research seek to protect the participants of research, they operate on two diametrically opposed paths. Ethnographers enter the research field with the goal of observing natural behavior, and taking steps to ensure they do not influence activity; anonymity is impossible, while confidentiality essential. IRBs, on the contrary, mandate an informed consent and oversight process that can compromise confidentiality. This has greatly affected contemporary ethnographic research and has had serious consequences for both the research participants and the production of knowledge.
O presente artigo foca a construção de uma perspectiva discursiva à luz das insuficiências do trabalho desenvolvido pela Análise do Conteúdo. Seus objetivos giram em torno de duas questões centrais: "A que insuficiências uma perspectiva discursiva procurou responder?"; e "Em que sentido as práticas da Análise de Conteúdo contribuíram para as reflexões desenvolvidas por uma abordagem discursiva". Como conclusão, indica-se a pertinência de um debate sobre a problemática relação existente entre texto e contexto.
Right whales (Eubalaena australis) that gather on a wintering ground off southern Brazil have been aerial surveyed and photographically identified since 1987. As of 2003 the Brazilian Right Whale Catalogue has 315 different individual whales of which 31 were resighted in other years (23 females, 3 yearlings and 5 whales of unknown age/sex). No resightings occurred prior to 1994 and 71% (n=24) were recorded in 2003. The modal observed interval between calving events is 3 years, consistent with successful reproduction. From 1997 to 2003 the number of reproductive females in the Central Survey Area off Brazil increased at a rate of 29.8% per year (95% CL 15.7, 44.0), and at 14% per year (95% CL 7.1, 20.9) from 1987 to 2003. These rates are significantly different from zero (t=4.133, p
The incidental entrapment of non-target species in fishing gear is a problem of increasing concern for the fishermen and fishery managers of Newfoundland. By-catches of marine mammals however is not a problem unique to Canadian waters. Worldwide, thousands of cetaceans or pinnipeds collide with gear and are caught every year (Perrin, 1988; Fowler, 1988; Bonner, 1982). The problem causes considerable losses to fishing crews and such by-catch may seriously effect populations (Lien et al., 1989a). In addition, for many such losses are ethically and socially undesirable (Lien, 1989). In spite of these concerns, very little is known about the factors which result in cetacean collisions with fishing gear, the whale’s ability to detect gear or the factors which impede detection.
Prudentópolis é um município paranaense que abriga um dos últimos remanescentes significativos da Floresta com Araucária, possui rica biodiversidade e mais de 42 saltos catalogados. A maior parte desses atrativos concentra-se nos Faxinais: uma forma histórica de organização social da produção que mais preservou as condições ambientais, comparada a outras formas organizacionais. Por serem sistemas coletivos de produção que miscigenaram a cultura cabocla e as culturas européias no final do século XIX, combinam o cultivo agrícola em lotes individuais com a criação comunitária de animais em ambientes que mantiveram a floresta. Atualmente, os Faxinais encontram-se ameaçados, pois os faxinalenses por manterem a floresta em estágio avançado de conservação sofrem com a intensa pressão para a conversão ao uso agrícola e florestal, além da exploração da madeira restante. No Projeto intitulado “Ecoturismo como ferramenta de desenvolvimento sustentável dos Faxinais de Taboãozinho e Barra Bonita de Prudentópolis-PR”, aprovado pelo Ministério do Meio Ambiente através do PDA e executado pela ONG Instituto Os Guardiões da Natureza (ING) uma das ações realizada foi a seleção de famílias desses Faxinais, que tivessem a potencialidade e o interesse em receber turistas. Após estudos de mercado, o diagnóstico e o georreferenciamento dessas áreas, foi verificado o potencial para a implantação de atividades sustentáveis de turismo. Em 2008 foi oferecido um Curso de Capacitação tratando de assuntos como condução e implantação de trilhas, turismo sustentável, hospitalidade, primeiros socorros, gestão de negócios, observação de pássaros, entre outros. Ao capacitar a comunidade para trabalhar com o ecoturismo foi dado o primeiro passo. O segundo passo, tema deste artigo, é o “Roteiro dos Faxinais”. Tal roteiro foi criado e vem apresentando resultados, no sentido de transformar os Faxinais num modelo econômico sustentável de turismo, ao proporcionar melhoria da qualidade de vida através do rendimento econômico, demonstrando a importância da comunidade para a conservação da Floresta com Araucária. Para a definição do Roteiro foram realizadas saídas a campo para obtenção de dados a respeito das propriedades, trilhas e outras atividades sugeridas. O artigo aqui apresentado trata em seu embasamento do Turismo em Áreas Naturais, são esclarecidos aspectos referentes aos Faxinais e apresentados os principais atrativos que integram o Roteiro. Auxiliando os moradores a gerarem renda, ao mesmo tempo em que promovem a preservação dos Faxinais, o Projeto demonstrou que é possível, com técnicas e conhecimentos, oferecer alternativas sustentáveis para estas comunidades que não teriam outra forma de continuarem vivendo nessas regiões.
O objetivo geral deste estudo foi catalogar as matérias-primas oriundas da flora local da Mata Atlântica na Rota Turística do Verde e das Águas (ES), composto pelos municípios de Vitória, Aracruz, Linhares, São Mateus e Conceição da Barra. Foram definidas as seguintes metas: 1. Identificar amostras de peças artesanais produzidas pelos artífices da Rota, sendo 1 (um) artesão (a) por município; 2. Elencar as matérias-primas extrativistas oriundas da Mata Atlântica e de seus Ecossistemas Associados e 3. Propor ações de valorização do artesanato tradicional através do desenvolvimento do Ecoturismo. A metodologia utilizada foi: Pesquisa de Gabinete; Visitas de Campo; Tabulação de Dados e Formatação dos Resultados; Redação Final e Publicação dos Resultados. A partir da análise das informações obtidas nas entrevistas foi possível identificar que em grande parte, as matérias-primas são coletadas nas áreas de cobertura vegetal caracterizadas pela Mata Atlântica, a Restinga e o Manguezal. Ao final do estudo, foi concluído o levantamento textual do artesanato local (embasado na metodologia apresentada) e suas respectivas matériasprimas utilizadas pelos artesãos entrevistados. Sugerem-se como intervenções: mobilizar e sensibilizar os moradores, turistas e visitantes no que se refere à preservação ambiental; assegurar o desenvolvimento econômico local através do desenvolvimento da cultura, do meio ambiente e do turismo; propor ações de Educação Ambiental além de outras ações necessárias para o desenvolvimento local e a preservação da natureza.
In 1979 an assistance program was established for inshore fishermen in Newfoundland and Labrador who caught large whales and sharks in their fishing gear. The widely advertised program allowed fishermen to call toll-free for assistance and receive help from a trained crew in releasing the animal from the gear. Mortality has varied according to the species entrapped and the duration of the entrapment. Distribution of the whales, variability of bait, fishing effort, numbers of animals in a population, and species characteristics each contribute to the relative frequency of incidental entrapments of large cetaceans. -from Authors
Recentemente tivemos concretizado entre nós um projeto da antropologia – o de transformar os antropólogos em “nativos” deles esmos – como a busca da matriz disciplinar, ou seja, da articulação sistemática de um conjunto de paradigmas coexistentes e eficazes ao mesmo tempo. Nesta proposta, os paradigmas em tensão não suplantariam um ao outro, mas seriam como categorias de um campo semântico da antropologia. Alerta o autor para o perigo de transformar os paradigmas, que se oferecem como possibilidades criativas de entrecruzamento, em meros ismos, sistemas fechados de explicação e hábitos viciados de repetir os mesmos procedimentos ad nauseam e as mesmas respostas aos mesmos velhos problemas. No entanto, a reflexão sobre as consequências das principais disputas teóricas – e os estéreis ismos delas – no trabalho de campo etnográfico ainda está por ser aprofundada. O que se segue é fruto das minhas primeiras tentativas em pensar, a partir da minha inquietação e apreensão, os efeitos deste campo teórico marcado por profundas dissensões e vários ismos, sobre a pesquisa etnográfica.
O Parque Nacional do Pau Brasil (PNPB) está localizado no município turístico de Porto Seguro no extremo sul da Bahia, esta unidade de conservação (UC) por não possuir um plano de manejo e um programa de uso público não é aberta para visitação. Este artigo foi construído utilizando técnicas de observação participante e aplicação de questionários mistos com a finalidade de descrever e refletir sobre as ações iniciais do processo de construção participativa do uso público no PNPB e entorno, promovidas pelo PNPB/ICMBio, Projeto Corredores Ecológico (PCE/BA) e Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD). Estas ações tiveram como objetivo iniciar uma co-responsabilidade no planejamento do uso público desta UC realizando oficinas para qualificação de condutores de visitantes do PNPB e entorno, com guias regionais e comunidades rurais, que utilizaram técnicas participativas visando o desencadeamento de mudanças de pensamentos e atitudes individuais e coletivas sobre as temáticas abordadas. Estas resultaram na potencialização de inserção, através de um processo de desenvolvimento humano, de dois agentes sociais na gestação do uso público do PNPB: os guias regionais de Porto Seguro e comunidades rurais do entorno da UC. A reflexão sobre os resultados alcançados com estas ações de desenvolvimento humano oportunizaram indicações de atividades necessárias para continuidade deste processo.
Data on Eubalaena australis for 11 yr up to 1987 provide information on: a significant population increase, at least in cow-calf pairs; differences in some body characters (lip callosities, some body markings) compared with animals off South Africa and Argentina; patterns of distribution and dispersal along the coast; and reproduction (most mating activity unlikely to be taking place on the coast). -from Author
Right whales have raised patches of roughened skin (callosities) on their heads. The pattern of callosities differs between individuals. Mean calving interval is estimated to be 3.6 years (95% confidence interval 3.3-4.1 years). There were 99 (SE 18) calvings in the population in 1986, which implies a total population of 1200 in that year. The population is estimated to be increasing at a rate of 7.6% p.a. (SE 1.7%). -from Authors
Since 1970, southern right whales have been studied on their winter/spring aggregation areas in protected waters near the coast of Peninsula Valdes, Argentina. Many individuals return to the area each year, but mature females tend to be seen only in years when they give birth (usually every 3rd year); 74 of the known females have had >2 calves, with a mean calving interval of 3.7+ or -1.25 yr. Age of first calving for 2 females was 7 yr. Mothers with young calves are usually positioned along the coast in water c5 m deep. Right whales are found at Peninsula Valdes in three separate areas: 1) predominantly occupied by mothers and calves, 2) predominantly occupied by males and mature females in non-calf years, and 3) occupied by all categories of whales including subadults and mating groups. -from Author
In spite of the fact that chain referral sampling has been widely used in qualitative sociological research, especially in the study of deviant behavior, the problems and techniques involved in its use have not been adequately explained. The procedures of chain referral sampling are not self-evident or obvious. This article attempts to rectify this methodological neglect. The article provides a description and analysis of some of the problems that were encountered and resolved in the course of using the method in a relatively large exploratory study of ex-opiate addicts.
Todos los mamíferos de los ríos y mares de América del Sur, más todos los mamíferos marinos de la Antártida 74 Especies 500 fotografías color 110 ilustraciones 80 mapas Con espectaculares fotos de los más destacados fotógrafos marinos del mundo, este libro explica claramente las características de cada especie: peso, talla, área de distribución, nombre vulgar y científico, clave de identificación para avistajes y varamientos, biología, ecología, conservación y mucho más. Para conocer y proteger a todos los mamíferos acuáticos de la región, en un libro imprescindible.
Managed realignment strategies, based on working with physical processes and dynamic environments, are gaining weight in sustainable coastal erosion management. However, this kind of innovative adaptive strategy can give rise to major social conflicts. A proposal to implement managed realignment in the Ebro Delta in Spain is provoking intense social conflict between different socioeconomic sectors. This qualitative study, based on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, analyses social perceptions of three management strategies aimed at coping with coastal erosion in the Ebro Delta in order to throw some light on the main barriers to a managed realignment strategy. The results reveal the complexities of the local conflict and highlights issues such as mistrust of public authorities and limited understanding of managed realignment. A lengthy hold-the-line tradition in coastal policies in Spain and local idiosyncrasies contextualize a problem that was initially perceived as one of the typical conflict of interest between conservationists and the primary economic sector. Efforts to provide transparent information, improve participation and build trust are suggested in order to be able to implement managed realignment strategies with the cooperation of the local community.
Fishing provides high quality seafood and creates employment and income for people worldwide. Most of the capture methods used for fishing are, however, heavily dependent on the use of fossil fuels. For many important fisheries their high consumption of fuel constitutes a major constraint to their economic viability but also represents a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, fishing activities can sometimes impact the marine environments through excessive removals of ecologically and economically valuable species and also by direct physical contact with critical habitats. Fishing practices and gears vary widely in their environmental impacts and fuel efficiency but, in general, the impacts of passive fishing gears such as pots, traps, and hooks are considered to be less severe, and the amounts of fuel required per kg of catch smaller, than for towed gears such as beam trawls, dredges and the many types of bottom trawls. Through technological improvements and behavioral changes, the fishing sector can substantially decrease the damage to aquatic ecosystems, reduce emissions and lower its fuel costs. Changes in fishing practices can result in more economical and sustainable fisheries thereby contributing to improved food security. Barriers to begin transition to the use of low-impact, less fuel-intensive practices and gears include a perception that cost-efficient and practical alternatives are not available; restricted access to capital; ineffective technology infrastructure support; and inflexible fisheries management systems that restrict the rapid development and uptake of alternative gears. This paper discusses some of the key capture technologies and identifies gaps, constraints, and opportunities that facilitate the development and adoption of Low Impact and Fuel Efficient (LIFE) Fishing. LIFE fishing addresses the complex dynamic of energy consumption and environmental impacts with the objective of improving the economic viability and environmental sustainability of fishing operations.
‘Human-dolphin (Tursiops truncatus Montagu, 1821) cooperative fishery’ and its influence on cast net fishing activities in Barra de Imbé/Tramandaí, Southern Brazil – aims to describe ‘fishing with dolphins’ or ‘botos’ (Tursiops truncatus Montagu, 1821), its importance in mullet fishing in conjunction with the traditional knowledge of artisanal fishermen, and the negative economic impact that tourism has had on mullet fishing in Barra de Imbé/Tramandaí (29°58′S 50°07′W). In November and December of 2009, 22 artisanal fishermen associated with the Tramandaí Fishermen’s Union were interviewed. During these interviews, questionnaires were employed utilizing both open and closed questions that dealt with behavioral ecology, biological and interactional issues related to bottlenose dolphins, and small-scale fishing in the region. All those interviewed described “boto fishing,” in which bottlenose dolphins “helped out the fishermen.” According to these interviews, this kind of fishing, marked by close interaction between humans and ‘botos,’ allows nets to be cast fewer times and with captured fish yields that are greater than, when there is no dolphin is present. The fishermen maintain that this increased productivity results from ‘botos’ showing them exactly where the schools of fish are located below the water surface. This has made it possible to observe the impact that dolphin fishing has on the monthly incomes of these fishermen, and there is concern among fishermen, that the intense tourism may one day contribute to the disappearance of the ‘boto,’ a situation, they believe would negatively affect their fishing activities.
The listing task, a method used in social and behavioral sciences, is frequently used in ethnobotanical research to construct folk taxonomies and select relevant items for subsequent research. The objective of the present study was to determine whether visual stimuli are associated with responses to the theme “plants” or if context influences the answers. Interviews were conducted with 400 women in Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil, in four different locations: three with a visible presence of plants (a plant store, a supermarket, and a public plaza) and one with no plants (a street corner in the center of the city). The women were asked to name plants. Analysis indicates that visual stimuli influenced responses and that this is more marked in the plant store than in the other locations. The plants cited most often—roses, orchids, ferns, violets, and daisies—were, with little variation, the same in all the locales studied.
