Small-scale fisheries in ecologically sensitive areas in Latin America and the Caribbean: Do marine protected areas benefit fisheries governance?

Many small-scale fisheries (SSFs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) operate in ecologically sensitive areas, where balancing conservation and resource use is challenging. 'Multiple-use' marine protected areas (MPAs) have been implemented to accommodate SSFs (among other uses) within areas designated for conservation, creating opportunities and challenges for SSF governance. We analyzed eleven case studies from LAC to explore: (1) how different MPA institutional designs affect key aspects of SSF governance and (2) the links between these effects and the type of initiative that promoted MPA establishment (origin). Results indicate that the existence of an MPA benefited SSF governance in many ways, with more pronounced positive effects in MPAs with mixed to bottom-up origin supported by well-organized fishing groups. In addition, the presence of supportive MPA authorities that leveraged local capacities and initiatives and adopted flexible and collaborative governance systems made a difference in several cases. Lessons for integrating MPA and SSF governance are drawn.

Helminths of Wied's marmoset (Callithrix kuhlii (Coimbra-Filho, 1985) (Primates: Callitrichidae)) from the Atlantic Forest, Southern Bahia State, Brazil.

Callithrix kuhlii is present in forest mosaics, edge habitats, and abandoned fields in the Atlantic Forest. In Bahia and Minas Gerais. This study aimed to identify helminths from C. kuhlii and relate them to the clinical data, weights, and indices of the liver and gonads. Necropsies were performed on 13 adult marmosets that were run over on the BA-001 highway. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to describe the relationships between the variables investigated. Fifty-one helminths were collected from 30.77% (4/13) of the marmosets analyzed. Helminths were classified based on their morphological and morphometric characteristics. Primasubulura jacchi (Marcel, 1857), Platynosomum illiciens (Dougherty, 1946), and Prosthenorchis confusus (Dougherty, 1946) were the species identified, with prevalence rates of 7.69%, 7.69%, and 15.38%, respectively. In addition, this is a new host record of P. confusus. The two main axes of the PCA explained a high variability (PCA=67.7%), indicating reduced weight and indices of the organs of parasitized animals. This study expands the knowledge on parasites of C. kuhlii and its vulnerability to parasites, contributing to constructing an epidemiological profile of environmental health.

Tradition and trade: culture and exploitation of avian fauna by a rural community surrounding protected areas in the south of Bahia's State, Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Illegal capture and trade of wild birds are some of the most present types of wildlife trade in Brazil, and are often associated with cultural and socioenvironmental aspects. Those habits are particularly present in rural communities, where bird trade can be a source of income in dire economic situations and bird-keeping is a cultural trait passed down from generations. METHODS: We conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with bird-keepers and traders within the surrounding region of the Parque Nacional de Boa Nova, inquiring about local customs and practices related to bird-keeping, bird trade and bird capture, as well as how these were affected by the establishment of protected areas nearby. We then outlined the main trends and perceptions in a quantitative and a qualitative approach. RESULTS: A total of 21 avian species were mentioned as being used as pets and in commercialization, contests and breeding, most of them occurring naturally in the region. Most respondents were men possessing low levels of education and income. We observed a series of specialized practices regarding bird-keeping, from basic maintenance of captive individuals in order to ensure the animal's health, to interspecies breeding as to produce hybrid individuals. Mentioned methods used to capture wild birds often involved specialized traps and were conducted mainly within the national park's area. Bird trade was said to occur mostly in urban settlements, and the value of captive birds was said to vary, based on species and beforehand training. The official establishment of the protected area impaired all practices related to bird-keeping and trade, mostly as a result of increased surveillance by environmental agencies. CONCLUSION: The collected information presents a series of specialized habits and practices involved in bird-keeping, bird capture and bird trade, many of them being associated with the local avifauna surrounding the region. The establishment of protected areas affected local perceptions regarding bird-keeping and related practices mostly through fear of penalty, although individuals demonstrated some knowledge about how to evade surveillance. We recommend further studies about effective ways to integrate local communities in nearby protected areas' conservation.

Modeling susceptibility to forest fires in the Central Corridor of the Atlantic Forest using the frequency ratio method.

Fire is one of the main disturbances of tropical forests. Understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of forest fires is of fundamental importance for the conservation of tropical forests. We used a frequency ratio model to identify those areas most susceptible to forest fires in the Central Corridor of the Atlantic Forest, from 2001 to 2019. We used data from the burned area of MODIS MCD64A1 to create the dependent variable grouped as climatic, topographic and human and landscape variables. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the model's performance. Land use and relief orientation were the most and least important variables in the model, respectively. The model showed good AUC values, ranging from 0.72 to 0.96, with an average of 0.81 for the study period. The average distribution of susceptibility classes was low (19.62 %), medium (24.45 %) and high (20.55 %). The northwestern region of the CAFC was the one that presented the greatest susceptibility to the occurrence of forest fires. The frequency ratio proved to be a good model for mapping areas susceptible to forest fires in an area of the Atlantic Forest.

Environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting nesting site selection by sea turtles.

Understanding the environmental and anthropogenic factors that affect nesting site selection by sea turtles is key to maintaining priority conservation areas. The species Lepidochelys olivacea, Caretta caretta, and Eretmochelys imbricata nest annually on the island of Comandatuba (Una, northeastern Brazil), where this survey was conducted. We evaluated the temporal and spatial distribution of nests during the seasons 2008/2009 to 2014/2015 and 2017/2018. In the last season, we further examined the environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence different nesting performances. We selected six sample areas with different nesting events (high, medium, and low), and recorded the following characteristics: beach slope, sediment grain size, vegetation richness, type of dune, anthropization, and final nest condition. A significant occurrence of nesting was observed in November and December . The spatial distribution of the nests varied over the seasons, with a greater tendency to nest in the south of the island. Higher frequency of anthropization and low slope of the beach were significant factors for areas with a smaller number of nests. Predation of turtle nests may be associated with areas of greater anthropization. Our findings have implications for the conservation and monitoring of nesting sites during reproduction seasons and provide further insight into the nesting dynamics of marginal sea turtle populations.

Billfish catches from oceanic recreational fishing in the Royal Charlotte Bank, Bahia, Brazil / Captura de agulhões pela pesca recreativa oceânica no Banco Royal Charlotte, Bahia, Brasil

The aim of this study was to analyze the oceanic recreational fishing in the Royal Charlotte Bank, state of Bahia, Brazil. Only data from an oceanic recreational fishing operator based in the municipality of Canavieiras, southern Bahia, were used, from 2012 to 2017. Overall, 103 fish specimens were caught and released, during this period, belonging to the following species: Makaira nigricans, Kajikia albida, and Istiophorus platypterus. Fishery operations occurred from October to March, with the highest catch in number in December (56.3%). The largest annual catch was recorded in 2013, with 39 individuals. The catch per unit effort ranged from 1.0 to 1.4 fishes per trip, with the highest value in December. Even though data presented here are partial, they can help to establish a strategic scenario for the fishing sector in Bahia, along with data from other fishing sectors (artisanal, industrial, subsistence and scientific).(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a pesca esportiva oceânica no Banco Royal Charlotte, no estado da Bahia. Foram utilizados apenas os dados de uma operadora de pesca esportiva oceânica sediada no município de Canavieiras, no sul da Bahia, para o período de 2012 a 2017. Ao todo, 103 exemplares de peixes foram capturados e devolvidos ao mar durante este período, pertencendo às seguintes espécies: Makaira nigricans, Kajikia albida e Istiophorus platypterus. As operações de pesca ocorreram de outubro a março, com a maior captura em número em dezembro (56,3%). A maior captura foi registrada em 2013, com 39 indivíduos. A captura por unidade de esforço variou de 1,0 a 1,4 peixes por saída, com o maior valor observado em dezembro. Os dados aqui apresentados, embora parciais, podem ajudar a criar um cenário estratégico para o setor, juntamente com dados de outros setores da pesca (artesanal, industrial, de subsistência e científica).(AU)

Billfish catches from oceanic recreational fishing in the Royal Charlotte Bank, Bahia, Brazil / Captura de agulhões pela pesca recreativa oceânica no Banco Royal Charlotte, Bahia, Brasil

The aim of this study was to analyze the oceanic recreational fishing in the Royal Charlotte Bank, state of Bahia, Brazil. Only data from an oceanic recreational fishing operator based in the municipality of Canavieiras, southern Bahia, were used, from 2012 to 2017. Overall, 103 fish specimens were caught and released, during this period, belonging to the following species: Makaira nigricans, Kajikia albida, and Istiophorus platypterus. Fishery operations occurred from October to March, with the highest catch in number in December (56.3%). The largest annual catch was recorded in 2013, with 39 individuals. The catch per unit effort ranged from 1.0 to 1.4 fishes per trip, with the highest value in December. Even though data presented here are partial, they can help to establish a strategic scenario for the fishing sector in Bahia, along with data from other fishing sectors (artisanal, industrial, subsistence and scientific).

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a pesca esportiva oceânica no Banco Royal Charlotte, no estado da Bahia. Foram utilizados apenas os dados de uma operadora de pesca esportiva oceânica sediada no município de Canavieiras, no sul da Bahia, para o período de 2012 a 2017. Ao todo, 103 exemplares de peixes foram capturados e devolvidos ao mar durante este período, pertencendo às seguintes espécies: Makaira nigricans, Kajikia albida e Istiophorus platypterus. As operações de pesca ocorreram de outubro a março, com a maior captura em número em dezembro (56,3%). A maior captura foi registrada em 2013, com 39 indivíduos. A captura por unidade de esforço variou de 1,0 a 1,4 peixes por saída, com o maior valor observado em dezembro. Os dados aqui apresentados, embora parciais, podem ajudar a criar um cenário estratégico para o setor, juntamente com dados de outros setores da pesca (artesanal, industrial, de subsistência e científica).

Fishermen do more than fish: local ecological knowledge of raftsmen about the arboreal species used to construct rafts (Bahia, Brazil).

BACKGROUND: Traditional raft (jangada), piúba wood raft (jangada de pau de piúba), six-log raft (jangada de seis paus), and wooden raft (jangada de pau) are some of the names given to the traditional Brazilian watercrafts created from the buoyancy of bound logs. The traditional raft is a watercraft used and built by artisan fishermen who have, throughout generations, kept and improved knowledge related to this practice and the use of the plant species they need as raw materials. Active groups of these fishermen and their watercrafts are distributed along 200 km of the coast of the state of Bahia. The fishermen interviewed in this study are at the southern limit of distribution for the use of this type of vessel. METHODS: This study aimed to characterize the use of the arboreal species applied in the construction of the traditional raft in the municipalities of Uruçuca, Ilhéus, and Canavieiras in the southern State of Bahia, Brazil. For this purpose, structured and semi-structured interviews were individually conducted with 36 fishermen, and walking tours were conducted with specialists in the construction of the watercraft. RESULTS: We observed that the raftsmen use 21 species to construct the traditional raft. The features of the wood, such as density, flexibility, and availability, are the main criteria applied to choose the arboreal species. Some species are preferred, such as pau de jangada (Apeiba tibourbou) and biriba (Eschweilera ovata), which are the most frequently employed in watercraft manufacturing. CONCLUSIONS: The southern Bahia population is familiar with the different tree species that are linked to their fishing activities. The main link between the fishermen and the useful species is present in the practice of raft construction. Currently, the restricted access to raw materials limits this practice, which consequently results in the cultural erosion of this community.

The effects of fish feeding by visitors on reef fish in a Marine Protected Area open to tourism / O efeito da alimentação artificial em peixes recifais em uma Área Marinha Protegida com atividade turística

Abstract: Coral reef-based tourism has risen sharply across the globe, coupled with an increase in fish feeding by visitors. Studies indicate that fish feeding is one of the leading causes of changes in distribution patterns, abundance, the structure of marine fish communities, and fish behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of human presence and fish feeding on the behavior of reef fish by conducting in situ experiments in tide pools in a Marine Protected Area located at the northern limit of the Abrolhos Bank in the South Atlantic Ocean. Eight feeding sessions were conducted and filmed, resulting in a total of 160 minutes of video footage. Each filming session recorded four different experimental conditions alternating between human presence, human absence, and fish feeding. Our findings suggest that fish feeding may cause changes in fish behavior, such as habituation to human presence, conditioning to fish feeding, increased aggressiveness, attacks on humans, and short-term changes in species distribution. The continuation of fish feeding over time can cause an increase in the size of the populations of species that consume food provided during feeding and consequently trigger changes in the structure of communities.

Resumo: O uso turístico de recifes de corais tem aumentado fortemente em todo o mundo, e com ele o fornecimento de alimento aos peixes por humanos. Porém, estudos indicam essa atividade como causa de distúrbios nos padrões de distribuição, abundância, estrutura da comunidade e comportamento de peixes marinhos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da presença humana e da alimentação artificial no comportamento dos peixes recifais, através de experimentos in situ realizados em piscinas de maré de uma Área Marinha Protegida no limite Norte do Banco dos Abrolhos, Atlântico Sul. Para isso foram realizadas 8 sessões (160 min) de filmagem remota do experimento de alimentação artificial. Cada sessão de filmagem registrou quatro tratamentos, os quais alternavam momentos de presença e ausência humana, e de alimentação dos peixes.Os resultados encontrados indicam que a alimentação artificial tem provocado alterações comportamentais nos peixes como a habituação à presença humana, condicionamento à oferta de alimento, aumento da agressividade, ataques a humanos e alterações na distribuição das espécies em curto prazo. A permanência da atividade de alimentação artificial, ao longo do tempo, pode provocar o aumento das populações que consomem o alimento oferecido e consequentemente, desencadear alterações na estrutura da comunidade.

Seahorses in focus: local ecological knowledge of seahorse-watching operators in a tropical estuary.

BACKGROUND: Seahorses are endangered teleost fishes under increasing human pressures worldwide. In Brazil, marine conservationists and policy-makers are thus often skeptical about the viability of sustainable human-seahorse interactions. This study focuses on local ecological knowledge on seahorses and the implications of their non-lethal touristic use by a coastal community in northeastern Brazil. Community-based seahorse-watching activities have been carried out in Maracaípe village since 1999, but remained uninvestigated until the present study. Our goal is to provide ethnoecological understanding on this non-extractive use to support seahorse conservation and management. METHODS: We interviewed 32 informants through semi-structured questionnaires to assess their socioeconomic profile, their knowledge on seahorse natural history traits, human uses, threats and abundance trends. RESULTS: Seahorse-watching has high socioeconomic relevance, being the primary income source for all respondents. Interviewees elicited a body of knowledge on seahorse biology largely consistent with up-to-date research literature. Most informants (65.5 %) perceived no change in seahorse abundance. Their empirical knowledge often surpassed scientific reports, i.e. through remarks on trophic ecology; reproductive aspects, such as, behavior and breeding season; spatial and temporal distribution, suggesting seahorse migration related to environmental parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Seahorse-watching operators were aware of seahorse biological and ecological aspects. Despite the gaps remaining on biological data about certain seahorse traits, the respondents provided reliable information on all questions, adding ethnoecological remarks not yet assessed by conventional scientific surveys. We provide novel ethnobiological insight on non-extractive modes of human-seahorse interaction, eliciting environmental policies to integrate seahorse conservation with local ecological knowledge and innovative ideas for seahorse sustainable use. Our study resonates with calls for more active engagement with communities and their local ecologies if marine conservation and development are to be reconciled.

Fauna used by rural communities surrounding the protected area of Chapada do Araripe, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the inter-relations between people and animals have been considered essential to better understand the dynamics of socio-ecological systems. This study aimed to register the animal species known by the communities adjacent to National Forest of Araripe, their uses and if the close relationship affects the knowledge of useful species. METHODS: Data collection was conducted through a semi-structured inquiry form, free listings and guided tour. The study included 246 people from two community groups: group 1 (n = 113; <2 km from FLONA) and group 2 (n = 133; ≥ 2 km). RESULTS: According to the free listing, group 1 communities know more animal species (11.50 ± 5.81) than group 2 (9.41 ± 3.70), with a significant difference in knowledge between the groups. Men and women showed no significant difference in knowledge about animal species. The men from group 1 know, significantly, more species than men from group 2; but this difference was not observed in women from both groups. In the analysis of the Use Value (UV), Mazama gouazoubira showed a higher UV, both in group 1 (1.15) and group 2 (1.49). The guided tour identified the presence of 11 species, common in the vegetation of Forested Savannah (Cerradão) and in the transition Rainforest/Savannah (Cerrado). CONCLUSION: The results indicate M. gouazoubira as the most known and used species in this Protected Area, showing that species of interest to the local communities are worthy of conservation attention.

Cultural keystone species of fauna as a method for assessing conservation priorities in a Protected Area of the Brazilian semiarid / Espécie-Chave Cultural de fauna como método de designação de prioridades para conservação em Área Protegida do Semiárido brasileiro

The Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) method of identification has been used to define culturally important species. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize CKS vertebrates in the communities surrounding the Environmental Protection Area of Chapada do Araripe and define conservation priorities using semi-structured interviews and free listings. Interviews were conducted with 246 people; 53 species were identified and then included in categories of use: food, medicinal, handicraft and symbolic. Food preference was identified for Mazama gouazoubira, Penelope superciliaris, Dasyprocta prymnolopha and Dasypus novencimctus. As medicinal resources, Salvator merianae and M. gouazoubira represented 51.85% of treatment recommendations. For use in handicrafts, M. gouazoubira, which is also the only species recorded for symbolic use, stands out. Use values (UV) varied from 0.03 to 1.34, and M. gouazoubira had the highest UV (1.34) and a 0.74 projection. Regarding cultural importance, M. gouazoubira was the species with the highest UV and projection, and was indicated as a CKS to be prioritized in research and conservation studies.

O método para identificação de Espécie-Chave Cultural (ECC) tem sido utilizado para definir espécies importantes culturalmente. Nesse sentido, para identificar e caracterizar ECC de vertebrados em comunidades do entorno da Área de Proteção Ambiental da Chapada do Araripe, e definir prioridades de conservação, utilizou-se formulário semiestruturado e listagem livre. Foram entrevistadas 246 pessoas; identificaram-se 53 espécies que foram incluídas nas categorias de uso: alimentar, medicinal, artesanal e simbólico. Identificou-se preferência alimentar para Mazama gouazoubira, Penelope superciliaris, Dasyprocta prymnolopha e Dasypus novencimctus. Como recurso medicinal Salvator merianae e M. gouazoubira representaram 51.85% das indicações de tratamento. No uso artesanal, destaca-se M. gouazoubira, que também foi a única espécie registrada para o uso simbólico. Os valores de uso (VU) encontrados variaram entre 0.03 e 1.34, sendo M. gouazoubira com o VU mais alto (1.34) e 0.74 de saliência. Em relação è importância cultural, M. gouazoubira foi a espécie que apresentou maior VU, saliência e indicada como ECC, para receber prioridades em ações e estudos para conservação.

Recreational Diver Behavior and Contacts with Benthic Organisms in the Abrolhos National Marine Park, Brazil.

In the last two decades, coral reefs have become popular among recreational divers, especially inside marine protected areas. However, the impact caused by divers on benthic organisms may be contributing to the degradation of coral reefs. We analyzed the behavior of 142 scuba divers in the Abrolhos National Marine Park, Brazil. We tested the effect of diver profile, reef type, use of additional equipment, timing, and group size on diver behavior and their contacts with benthic organisms. Eighty-eight percent of divers contacted benthic organism at least once, with an average of eight touches and one damage per dive. No significant differences in contacts were verified among gender, group size, or experience level. Artificial reef received a higher rate of contact than pinnacle and fringe reefs. Specialist photographers and sidemount users had the highest rates, while non-users of additional equipment and mini camera users had the lowest contact rates. The majority of contacts were incidental and the highest rates occurred in the beginning of a dive. Our findings highlight the need of management actions, such as the provision of pre-dive briefing including ecological aspects of corals and beginning dives over sand bottoms or places with low coral abundance. Gathering data on diver behavior provides managers with information that can be used for tourism management.

"Shark is the man!": ethnoknowledge of Brazil's South Bahia fishermen regarding shark behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Fishermen's knowledge is a source of indispensable information in decision-making processes related to efforts to stimulate the management and conservation of fishing resources, especially in developing countries. This study analyzed the knowledge of fishermen from three municipal areas of Bahia in northeast Brazil regarding the behavior repertoire of sharks and the possible influence that these perceptions may have on the inclination to preserve these animals. This is a pioneering study on the ethnobiological aspects of elasmobranchs in Brazil. METHODS: Open, semi-structured interviews with shark fishing specialists were conducted between September 2011 and October 2012. The interviews addressed the fishermen's profile, fishing techniques and knowledge about sharks, focusing on the behaviours exhibited by sharks. The data were analysed with quantitative approach and conducted with the use of descriptive statistical techniques. RESULTS: Sixty-five fishermen were interviewed. They descend from the rafting subculture of Brazil's northeast, which has historically been disregarded by public policies addressing the management and conservation of fishing resources. The fishing fleet involved in shark fishing includes rafts, fishing boats and lobster boats equipped with fishing lines, gillnets, longlines and "esperas". The informers classified sharks' behaviour repertoire into 19 ethological categories, related especially to feeding, reproduction, and social and migratory behaviours. Because they identify sharks as predators, the detailed recognition of the behaviours exhibited is crucial both for an efficient catch and to avoid accidents. Therefore, this knowledge is doubly adaptive as it contributes to safer, more lucrative fishing. A feeling of respect for sharks predominates, since informers recognize the ecological role of these animals in marine ecosystems, attributing them the status of leader (or "the man") in the sea. CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrates the complexity and robustness of artisanal fishermen's ichthyological knowledge of sharks. Therefore, we suggest that such knowledge should be considered to develop public policies for the control of the fishing activity, as well as to develop and consolidate the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Shark and Ray Species (PAN - Tubarões e Raias).

Conhecimento Ecológico Local (CEL) na pesca artesanal da Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Estadual Ponta do Tubarão RN, Brasil / Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) of artisanal fishing in the State Sustainable Development Reserve Ponta do Tubarão RN, Brazil

It is discussed in this article, the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) of artisanal fishermen in the State Sustainable Development Reserve Ponta do Tubarão - RN (RDSEPT). The fieldwork was carried out from January 2012 to January 2013, free and semistructured interviews being made to a total of 110 artisanal fishermen who owned more than 20 years of experience on fishing communities of Barreiras (n = 38), Diogo Lopes (n = 38) and Sertãozinho (n = 34), with the aim of recording and analyzing the cognitive aspects - emic/etic of fishermen and identify which communities are better organized for the implementation of shared management. After observed and recorded the fisheries landing in the three communities, 25 main caught fish species were collected and identified by fishermen for further identification and analysis of the LEK. Out of these 10 most important species to local communities and one unknown species for the communities were selected for comparison of the LEK. Knowledge of fishermen from on food items, trophic ecology, and spatial distribution of these species was consistent with the scientific literature and laboratory analysis, being more detailed regarding food items of fish. Only one species was not identified as pertaining to the region by fishermen, which can generate new hypotheses for future studies targeted to the biology and ecology of this species. The LEK is an important tool and should be considered in the management and resources conservation.(AU)

É discutido, nesse artigo, o Conhecimento Ecológico Local (CEL) dos pescadores artesanais da Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Estadual Ponta do Tubarão RN (RDSEPT). A pesquisa de campo foi de janeiro de 2012 a janeiro de 2013, através de entrevistas livres e semiestruturadas a um total de 110 pescadores que possuiam mais de 20 anos de experiência de pesca nas comunidades de Barreiras (n = 38), Diogo Lopes (n = 38) e Sertãozinho (n = 34), com o objetivo de registrar e analisar os aspectos cognitivos emicista/etcista dos pescadores e identificar qual das comunidades está mais organizada para a implantação da gestão compartilhada. Depois de observados e registrados os desembarques da produção nas três comunidades, foram coletadas as 25 principais espécies de peixes capturadas e identificadas pelos pescadores e taxonomicamente, para posterior análise do CEL. Destas, 10 espécies mais importantes para as comunidades e uma desconhecida foram selecionadas para comparar o CEL. O conhecimento dos pescadores sobre itens alimentares, ecologia trófica e distribuição espacial destas espécies esteve de acordo com a literatura científica e com a análise em laboratório, sendo mais detalhado quanto a itens alimentares dos peixes. Apenas uma espécie não foi identificada como sendo da região por parte dospescadores, o que pode gerar novas hipóteses para futuros estudos direcionados à biologia ou ecologia desta espécie. O CEL caracteriza-se como uma importante ferramenta e deve serconsiderado na gestão e conservação dos recursos.(AU)

Conhecimento Ecológico Local (CEL) na pesca artesanal da Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Estadual Ponta do Tubarão RN, Brasil / Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) of artisanal fishing in the State Sustainable Development Reserve Ponta do Tubarão RN, Brazil

It is discussed in this article, the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) of artisanal fishermen in the State Sustainable Development Reserve Ponta do Tubarão - RN (RDSEPT). The fieldwork was carried out from January 2012 to January 2013, free and semistructured interviews being made to a total of 110 artisanal fishermen who owned more than 20 years of experience on fishing communities of Barreiras (n = 38), Diogo Lopes (n = 38) and Sertãozinho (n = 34), with the aim of recording and analyzing the cognitive aspects - emic/etic of fishermen and identify which communities are better organized for the implementation of shared management. After observed and recorded the fisheries landing in the three communities, 25 main caught fish species were collected and identified by fishermen for further identification and analysis of the LEK. Out of these 10 most important species to local communities and one unknown species for the communities were selected for comparison of the LEK. Knowledge of fishermen from on food items, trophic ecology, and spatial distribution of these species was consistent with the scientific literature and laboratory analysis, being more detailed regarding food items of fish. Only one species was not identified as pertaining to the region by fishermen, which can generate new hypotheses for future studies targeted to the biology and ecology of this species. The LEK is an important tool and should be considered in the management and resources conservation.

É discutido, nesse artigo, o Conhecimento Ecológico Local (CEL) dos pescadores artesanais da Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Estadual Ponta do Tubarão RN (RDSEPT). A pesquisa de campo foi de janeiro de 2012 a janeiro de 2013, através de entrevistas livres e semiestruturadas a um total de 110 pescadores que possuiam mais de 20 anos de experiência de pesca nas comunidades de Barreiras (n = 38), Diogo Lopes (n = 38) e Sertãozinho (n = 34), com o objetivo de registrar e analisar os aspectos cognitivos emicista/etcista dos pescadores e identificar qual das comunidades está mais organizada para a implantação da gestão compartilhada. Depois de observados e registrados os desembarques da produção nas três comunidades, foram coletadas as 25 principais espécies de peixes capturadas e identificadas pelos pescadores e taxonomicamente, para posterior análise do CEL. Destas, 10 espécies mais importantes para as comunidades e uma desconhecida foram selecionadas para comparar o CEL. O conhecimento dos pescadores sobre itens alimentares, ecologia trófica e distribuição espacial destas espécies esteve de acordo com a literatura científica e com a análise em laboratório, sendo mais detalhado quanto a itens alimentares dos peixes. Apenas uma espécie não foi identificada como sendo da região por parte dospescadores, o que pode gerar novas hipóteses para futuros estudos direcionados à biologia ou ecologia desta espécie. O CEL caracteriza-se como uma importante ferramenta e deve serconsiderado na gestão e conservação dos recursos.

Local ecological knowledge of the artisanal fishers on Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822) (Teleostei: Epinephelidae) on Ilhéus coast--Bahia State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) of traditional fishermen may be the only source of information regarding the conservation of the marine ecosystem and its endangered species. One of these species is Epinephelus itajara, which can exceed 2 m in length and 400 kg weight, is classified by the IUCN as a critically endangered. In Brazil, there is currently a moratorium that prohibits the capture of this specie, and in the northeastern coast, a Marine Protected Area was recently established properly justified by the existence a one spawning aggregation. The scope of the present study was the analysis the LEK of fishers with the goal of contributing to the conservation of E. Itajara. METHODS: The Knowledge of 24 "experts" was recorded through semi-structured interviews with fishermen selected based on their expertise. LEK regarding some aspects of the life history of E. itajara, such as its morphology, spatial distribution, feeding, breeding and conservation, was systematized. The interviews were conducted in synchronic and diachronic situations. The data analysis followed the model of unity of the various individual skills, while the consistency of the analysis was tested using a matrix of methods employed in comparative cognitive science. Potential reproductive aggregation sites were identified by experts through projective interviews conducted based on a cartographic database and transferred to a geographic information system (GIS). RESULTS: The LEK of these specialists in relation to the biological and ecological characteristics of E. itajara showed a high level of detail and a high agreement with the scientific literature. Projective interviews are presented as a promising tool allowing spatialization of the information generated through the registration of LEK. Therefore, the visualization of information from the fishermen, as well as its analysis and comparison with other databases, is simplified, thereby contributing to the decision-making process concerning the conservation of marine ecosystem in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of LEK with scientific knowledge is an efficient strategy for the conservation of endangered species, as it provides important additional biological information that can be used in the process of participative and sustainable management of marine resources.

Attitudes and local ecological knowledge of experts fishermen in relation to conservation and bycatch of sea turtles (reptilia: testudines), Southern Bahia, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The use of ethnoecological tools to evaluate possible damage and loss of biodiversity related to the populations of species under some degree of threat may represent a first step towards integrating the political management of natural resources and conservation strategies. From this perspective, this study investigates fishermen's ecological knowledge about sea turtles and attitudes towards the conservation and bycatch in Ilhéus, Southern Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Fishermen experts semi-structured interviews were performed using snowball sampling method. The interviews consisted of a series of questions relating to the fishermen's profile, structure and work equipment, the local ecological knowledge of fishermen about sea turtles and bycatch, a projective test, attitudes towards turtle conservation and beliefs and taboos regarding turtles. Indicators for quantitative comparisons of respondents in terms of their broad knowledge and attitudes towards turtle conservation were created. Correlation analyses were made between indicators of knowledge and attitude as well as the relationship between education level and knowledge and attitudes. RESULTS: Thirty experts were interviewed for the study. The local ecological knowledge and attitudes of fishermen towards the conservation of sea turtles were respectively medium (0.43) and moderate (0.69) according to experts (based on Likert scale and Cronbach's Alpha). Potential areas of spawning were reported from Barra Grande to Una covering the entire coast of Ilhéus. Methods for identifying the animal, behavior, and popular names were described by fishermen. The most recent captures of turtles were attributed to fishing line, but according to the respondents, lobster nets and shrimp traps are more likely to capture turtles. Knowledge and attitudes were weakly inversely correlated (r = -0.38, p = 0.04), and the education level of the respondent showed a positive correlation with positive attitudes towards turtle conservation (H = 8.33; p = 0.04). Life history, habitat, specific and exogenous taboos, beliefs and the use of hawksbill turtle to make glasses and other handcrafts are also reported in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of spawning areas, preservation of traditional practices, strategies to moderate the use of fishery resources and the local ecological knowledge/attitudes can provide data to improve the conservation practices and management of sea turtles.

Reservas extrativistas marinhas do Brasil: contradições de ordem legal, sustentabilidade e aspecto ecológico / Marine extractive reserves of Brazil: contradictions of legal order, sustainability and ecological aspect

O objetivo foi analisar o papel das Reservas Extrativistas Marinhas como instrumento de cogestão dos recursos naturais costeiros e marinhos pelos beneficiários e discutir os conflitos gerados entre este modelo de gestão e os objetivos constantes no Sistema Nacional de Unidades de Conservação (SNUC). As Reservas Extrativistas Marinhas são a materialização de um modelo de área protegida de base comunitária, por meio de um regime de cogestão onde os recursos naturais são manejados buscando sua utilização sustentável. No entanto, o modelo transferido para o ambiente costeiro e marinho encontra conflitos de ordem legal, haja vista a atual legislação brasileira. O conflito se dá devido ao impedimento de acesso aos recursos nas áreas delimitadas como reserva pelos cidadãos não designados como “população tradicional”. Essa restrição de acesso não encontra embasamento dentro da legislação brasileira, podendo gerar conflitos entre os beneficiários e “excluídos”. As Reservas Extrativistas são áreas onde a cultura e valores das populações tradicionais devem ser preservados concomitantemente com a utilização sustentável dos recursos naturais. Mas até hoje, não há estudos de longo prazo que comprovem empiricamente se os recursos utilizados estão sendo manejados de forma a se perpetuarem, tendo em vista a utilização dos mesmos pelas comunidades. Fatores biológicos e antrópicos devem ser constantemente monitorados a fim de separar as flutuações de captura de ordem natural das causadas pelo homem. Com isso, as taxas de captura possíveis suportadas pelo sistema extrativista tornam-se mais confiáveis. O Estado necessita voltar sua atenção a este modelo de área protegida, dando maior apoio institucional e revendo as contradições de ordem legal.(AU)

The objective was to analyze the Marine Extractive Reserves role as a tool for co-management of coastal and marine resources by beneficiaries and discuss the conflicts generated between this management model and objectives contained in the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC, in Portuguese). The Marine Extractive Reserves are the materialization of a community-based protected area model through a system of co-management where natural resources are managed pursuing its sustainable use. However, the model transferred to the coastal and marine environment finds conflicts of legal order, given the current Brazilian legislation. The conflict is due to the denial of access to resources in the areas demarcated as a reserve by citizens not designated as "traditional population". This access restriction does not find basis in Brazilian law, which can generate conflicts between beneficiaries and "excluded." Extractive Reserves are areas where the culture and values of traditional population should be preserved concurrently with the sustainable use of natural resources. But until today, there is no long-term studies that prove empirically whether the resources used are being managed in order to perpetuate themselves, considering their use by communities. Biological and anthropogenic factors must be constantly monitored in order to separate the fluctuations capture of natural order from the ones cause by human beings. With this, possible the catch rates supported by extractive system become more reliable. The state needs to turn its attention to this type of protected area, giving greater institutional support and reviewing the contradictions of legal order.(AU)

Acordos de pesca, governança e conselho deliberativo de reserva extrativista: caso da Resex de Cassurubá, Caravelas, Bahia, Brasil / Fisheries agreements, governance and deliberative council of extractive reserve: the case of Resex Cassurubá, Caravelas, Bahia, Brazil

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar o processo de atuação do Conselho Deliberativo da Reserva Extrativista (RESEX) de Cassurubá, suas discussões e decisões sobre os acordos de pesca e suas implicações na governança local. A RESEX de Cassurubá é uma Unidade de Conservação de uso sustentável criada em 2009, localizada no sul da Bahia. O Conselho Deliberativo, espaço considerado democrático para decisões e resolução de conflitos, está sendo utilizado como um instrumento de governança local. Nesse sentido, houve a criação de regras de usos dos recursos pesqueiros através dos Acordos de Pesca, elaboradas pelos usuários. Foi utilizada a pesquisa qualitativa, por meio da participação em reuniões e análise das Atas e dos Princípios da Boa Governança. Esse diagnóstico possibilitou descreveras formas de construção dos Acordos de Pesca e atuação do Conselho e, em relação aos princípios da boa governança, predominou a Legitimidade e Voz.(AU)

This study aimed to analyze the operational process of the Deliberative Council of the Cassurubá Extractive Reserve (RESEX), its discussions and decisions regarding fisheries agreements, and the implications for local governance. The Cassurubá RESEX is a sustainable use conservation unit, established in 2009, located in southern Bahia. The Council is considered a democratic space for decision-making and conflict resolution and is utilized as an instrument of local governance. In this sense, there is the creation of rules of use of fisheries resources through fisheries agreements, drawn up by users. We applied qualitative research methods of record analysis, participation in Council meetings, and review of Good Governance Principles. This analysis made it possible to describe the forms of construction of Fisheries Agreements and the performance of the Council in relation to principles of good governance predominated by legitimacy and voice.(AU)