-I fish, therefore I monitor: Participatory monitoring to assess inland small-scale fisheries.

Analysis of small-scale inland fisheries (SSIFs) is often highly dispersed and tends not reflect the true magnitude of their contribution to society. This is partly due to the insufficient attention given to this sector by the relevant authorities, in addition to its highly diverse characteristics, with complex patterns of operation in a wide range of systems, often in remote areas. Here, by integrating fishers as participatory fishery monitors, we provide fishery-dependent estimates of yields, the biological attributes of the fish species, and the spatiotemporal dynamics of the fisheries of lakes on the floodplain of the São Francisco basin in northeastern Brazil. As the fishers were willing participates in the monitoring, the results revealed well-structured artisanal fishing activities, with the lake system providing high-profile fish harvests from both monthly and annual perspectives. The spatial distribution of fishing effort reflected the adaptation of the fishers to the flood cycle of the river, in order to maintain high fishery productivity throughout the year. The results also indicate that participatory monitoring can help to overcome knowledge gaps and provide a database that is readily applicable to management needs at both local and regional scales. As Brazil is one few world's nations that no longer have national fishing monitoring program, participatory monitoring represents a low-cost solution for the credible and useful data on small-scale fisheries. It would thus appear to be extremely worthwhile to invest in the empowerment of communities in order to overcome the historic vulnerability of productive sector and the food security of the populations that depend on these fisheries.

Habitat-specific fish fauna responses to different management regimes in the largest coral reef complex in the South Atlantic.

While marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasing worldwide, it is still needed to assess the effectiveness of those already consolidated. Methods and ecological assessments to understanding integrated and habitat-specific management regimes are still scarce and insufficient for policy implications and biodiversity conservation. Through Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV), we used fish assemblages as proxy of ecological and managerial status in two reef habitat types along three protection levels at Abrolhos Bank - the largest and most biodiverse coral reef complex of the South Atlantic. We found completely distinct responses in the fish fauna between the top (shallow) and bottom (deep) habitats of the unique "chapeirões" pinnacle reef formations. In the most protected zone (no-take), higher richness and abundance of commercial fish and more diverse trophic structure was observed. Particularly, large (sharks and groupers) and small carnivores (snappers) were more abundant and distributed more homogeneously over both reef habitats in the strictly enforced no-take zone. Abundance of these top-predators decreased from the low enforcement no-take zone to the multiple use area, where they were often absent while their typical preys (primary and secondary consumers) were thriving, notably in the top habitats. These outcomes highlight the importance to focus investigations not selectively on a single habitat type or depth zone in order to properly assess MPA effectiveness. Consequently, the monitoring and protection of fish species supported by marine spatial planning may benefit from an improved understanding of ecological functioning provided by MPA performance.

Gill Histopathological Biomarkers in Fish Exposed to Trace Metals in the Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil.

Histopathologies are widely recognized as biomarkers of environmental pollution. In this sense, we evaluated the putative relationship of gill histopathologies and distinct ecological impacts in two regions of Todos os Santos Bay (BTS), Brazil, the largest bay in Northeastern Brazil, South Atlantic. We compared the presence and concentration of metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) in water, sediments, and gills and gill histopathologies of a demersal fish (Diapterus rhombeus) and a benthic fish (Ogcocephalus vespertilio). As expected, fish and sediment samples from historically contaminated areas (Aratu) showed more remarkable traces of metals than apparently low-impact areas (Jaguaripe). Likewise, the DTC (degree of tissue change) index and the volume densities were higher in fish caught in Aratu. In addition, the Diapterus rhombeus species showed more potential than Ogcocephalus vespertilio for risk assessment as it showed more responses to the environment reflected on more histopathologies. These data support the effectiveness of incorporating functional gill morphology to monitor impacts on estuarine biota that can be used as a reference to improve the management of ecosystems and prevent harm to human health.

Anthropogenic litter on Brazilian beaches: Baseline, trends and recommendations for future approaches.

Beaches are fundamental habitats that regulate the functioning of several coastal processes and key areas contributing to national and local budgets. In this study we provide the first large-scale systematic survey of anthropogenic litter on Brazilian beaches, covering a total of 35 degrees of latitude, recording the litter type, its use and size. Plastic comprised the most abundant litter type, followed by cigarette butts and paper. Small pieces (<5 cm) were dominant among litter size-classes and food-related use was associated to most litter recorded types. Generalized additive models showed that proximity to estuarine run-offs was the main driver to beach litter accumulation, reinforcing river drainages as the primary route of litter coastal pollution. Also, the Clean-Coast Index evidenced there was not a pattern of beach litter pollution among regions, which denotes that actions regarding marine pollution must be taken by all state governances of the country.

Mesophotic ecosystems at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil (South-western Atlantic), reveal unique ichthyofauna and need for conservation

Abstract Although several studies on the ichthyofauna of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago have been carried out, its mesophotic fish diversity has never been surveyed before. Here we used SCUBA and technical rebreather diving, baited remote underwater videos and remotely operated vehicle to record shallow (≤ 30 m depth) and mesophotic (31 to 150 m depth) fishes. Nineteen fish species belonging to 14 families are reported here as new records, representing an increase of 8.2% in marine fish richness for the region, which now has a total of 250 species and 77 families. These new records include four potential new species and highlight the importance of surveying mesophotic ecosystems, even in well studied sites. Our results also emphasize the need for protection and attention to the unique ichthyofauna found at mesophotic depths.(AU)

Resumo Apesar de muitos estudos sobre a ictiofauna do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha terem sido realizados, sua diversidade de peixes mesofóticos nunca foi estudada antes. Neste estudo utilizamos mergulho autônomo e mergulho técnico, vídeos subaquáticos remotos com isca e veículo operado remotamente para registrar peixes de ecossistemas rasos (≤ 30 m de profundidade) e mesofóticos (31 a 150 m de profundidade). Dezenove espécies de peixes pertencentes a 14 famílias são apresentadas aqui como novos registros, representando um aumento de 8,2% na riqueza de peixes marinhos da região, que agora possui um total de 250 espécies e 77 famílias. Esses novos registros incluem quatro prováveis novas espécies e reforçam a importância de estudos em ecossistemas mesofóticos. Nossos resultados também enfatizam a necessidade de proteção e atenção à essa ictiofauna única encontrada nesses ecossistemas profundos.(AU)

Coastal fish assemblages reflect marine habitat connectivity and ontogenetic shifts in an estuary-bay-continental shelf gradient.

The success of marine management initiatives and our capability for dealing with environmental change largely depend on our understanding regarding the distribution of species and their habitat preferences. In the present study, we deployed baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs) in a portion of Brazilian central coast (i.e., Todos os Santos Bay) to describe fish species-habitat associations along an estuary-bay-continental shelf gradient. Significant variation in the fish assemblage was found among three ecosystems, four depth classes, and eight different types of habitat, confirming that the structure and composition of fish assemblages is mediated by a set of habitat characteristics forming an ecological mosaic. The highest species richness and relative abundance were found in the mangroves and reefs. The data demonstrated that some species, such as Lutjanus jocu, Lutjanus synagris, Carangoides bartholomaei, Eucinostomus argenteus and Eucinostomus melanopterus had clear ontogenetic shifts among habitats and across ecosystems. Some species (Sphoeroides greeley, L. synagris, and Eucinostomus gula) were widespread along the ecosystem-level gradient and were observed in a number of different habitats, reflecting more generalist habitat associations. By contrast, a large number of species (54; e.g., Ptereleotris randali, Decapterus macarellus and Mugil curema) were recorded in a single habitat type, indicating they were habitat specialists. Despite this apparent habitat-related pattern, the size-mediated relationships found in many species indicate cross-migration along the ecosystem gradient. Our findings have implications for the conservation and monitoring of fish assemblages highlighting the role of the connectivity of marine habitats as a conservation priority toward to an ecosystem-based management strategy.

Endemic fish species structuring oceanic intertidal reef assemblages.

Intertidal reef environments are facing a global crisis as climate changes are causing sea-level rise. Synergistically, other human-induced impacts (e.g., sewage, habitat loss) caused by concentration of human populations near the coast increase the natural vulnerability of intertidal ecosystems. However, the effect of these threats have long been neglected due, in part, to a limited knowledge of some aspects of intertidal fish ecology. We tested what are the main differences and drivers in fish assemblages structure between tidepools in three oceanic and three continental shelf (coastal) sites of the tropical southwestern Atlantic (Brazilian Province) using standardized sampling methods. Oceanic and coastal fish assemblages were distinctly structured at the trophic and composition levels. The noteworthy endemism species rate (38-44%) and high densities in oceanic sites are supported by resident species restricted to mid and high-shore tidepools where herbivores were the major trophic group. The coastal sites, on the other hand, were dominated by widely distributed and carnivore species. Physical (substrate type, pool height, subtidal distance and rock coverage), biological (sessile animal coverage) and chemical (salinity) parameters act as the driving forces influencing fish spatial occupancy. Here, clear evidences of high fish endemism and importance of endemics structuring oceanic communities may act as the last straw in favor of the conservation of oceanic intertidal reefs.

Reef fishes captured by recreational spearfishing on reefs of Bahia State, northeast Brazil / Peixes recifais capturados pela pesca submarina recreativa nos recifes do estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil

Although recreational spearfishing is a growing activity, its impacts are poorly understood. This paper aims to present data on reef fishes captured by recreational spearfishing in the Bahia State, Northeastern Brazil. We analyzed 168 photos of spearfishing conducted in the reefs of this region between 2006 and 2008. A total of 1.121 fish belonging to 48 species were captured in three sub-regions of the Bahia coastline: Litoral Norte (LN), Salvador (SSA) and Baixo Sul (BS). The main species caught were: Scomberomorus brasiliensis (n = 191), Sphyraena barracuda (n = 153), Lutjanus jocu (n = 150) and Caranx bartholomaei (n = 141); these four species represented 56.5% of total captures. Over the sampling period, the highest values of catch rates per day were observed at BS, followed by SSA and LN. There were significant between-sites differences in the number of fish in the number of species caught. However, there were no significant between-years differences in the number of fish and numbers of species caught. The trophic classification of fish showed that carnivores (n = 623) were more frequently captured, followed by piscivores (n = 371), herbivores (n = 101) and invertivores (n = 26). The results showed that high sized, top predatory fishes, were the main targets, although other trophic levels were also captured.

Apesar da caça submarina recreativa ser uma atividade crescente, seus impactos ainda são mal compreendidos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar dados sobre peixes recifais capturados pela pesca submarina recreativa no Estado da Bahia, região Nordeste do litoral brasileiro. Foram analisados 168 fotos de caça submarina realizada entre 2006 e 2008. Foram registrados 1.121 peixes pertencentes a 48 espécies em três sub-regiões do litoral baiano: Litoral Norte (LN), Salvador (SSA) e Baixo Sul (BS). As principais espécies capturadas foram: Scomberomorus brasiliensis (n = 191), Sphyraena barracuda (n = 153), Lutjanus jocu (n = 150) e Caranx bartholomaei (n = 141); estas quatro espécies representaram 56,5% do total de peixes capturados. Ao longo dos anos amostrados, foram registradas taxas mais elevadas de captura por dia em BS, seguido pelo SSA e LN. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os locais estudados para a quantidade de peixes e o número de espécies capturadas. Entretanto, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os anos para a quantidade de peixes e número de espécies capturadas. A classificação trófica de peixes mostrou que os carnívoros (n = 623) foram mais frequentemente capturados, seguidos de piscívoros (n = 371), herbívoros (n = 101) e invertívoros (n = 26). Os dados apresentados demonstram que grandes peixes predadores de topo são o alvo principal, no entanto outros níveis tróficos também são capturados.

Estuarine ichthyofauna of the Paraguaçu River, Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil / Ictiofauna estuarina do Rio Paraguaçu, Baía de Todos os Santos, Bahia, Brasil

Estuaries are areas of recognized importance in the development and sanctuaries of fishes and also a great source of fishing resources. This article presents an inventory of fishes from the Paraguaçu River estuary, Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil. 28 points comprising the saline sections that may exist in a tropical estuary were sampled quarterly from March 2009 to February 2010 with the aid of bottom gill nets, surface gill nets, seine net and casting net. A total of 4.097 individuals were captured, belonging to 7 species of Chondrichthyes and 117 species of Actinopterygii (83 genera and 49 families). Most of the geographical extent of the estuary was sampled by assessing large spatial variability in fish assemblage structure. The curve of species accumulation (rarefaction) had stabilization with ½ of the samples. The general structure of the assemblage is described and commented trough evidences for a new spatial organization of the fish fauna due to dam effects upstream the estuary.

Estuários são áreas de reconhecida importância no desenvolvimento e refúgio dos peixes e também grande fonte de recursos pesqueiros. Este artigo apresenta um inventário dos peixes do estuário do Rio Paraguaçu, Baía de Todos os Santos, Bahia, Brasil. 28 pontos constituindo as três seções salinas que pode haver em um estuário tropical foram amostradas trimestralmente de março de 2009 a fevereiro de 2010 com auxílio de redes de espera de fundo, de superfície, redes de arrasto manual e tarrafas. Um total de 4.097 indivíduos foram capturados, pertencendo a 7 espécies de Chondrichthyes e 117 espécies de Actinopterygii (83 gêneros e 49 famílias). A maioria da extensão territorial do estuário foi amostrada para acessar maior variabilidade espacial na estrutura da assembléia de peixes. A curva de acumulação de espécies (rarefação) apresentou estabilização com ½ das amostras. A estrutura geral da assembléia é descrita e comentada através de evidências para uma nova organização espacial da fauna de peixes devido a efeitos de barragem a montante do estuário.