ABSTRACT
Abstract: 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.
Resumo: Estudos etnobiológicos são necessários para conhecer as relações entre pescadores e cetáceos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever as interações entre cetáceos e pescadores artesanais e possíveis conflitos decorrentes destas. Entrevistas semiestruturadas foram aplicadas de fevereiro a setembro de 2017 a 35 pescadores do município de Ilhéus, Brasil. Todos os pescadores relataram interações positivas e negativas com Megaptera novaeangliae, Tursiops truncatus e Sotalia guianensis e interações somente negativas com Balaenoptera acutorostrata (n=14) e Stenella frontalis (n=4). As interações positivas se referem a relações lúdicas e pesca colaborativa. Interações negativas (emalhe, emaranhamento, colisão) afetam os pescadores e os cetáceos. S. guianensis é a mais afetada por emalhes em redes de pesca e M. novaeangliae por emaranhamento e colisão com embarcações. Os resultados deste estudo destacam o valor de reunir comunidades científicas e pesqueiras para compreender os conflitos através da monitorização das interações, a fim de avaliar o impacto das atividades de pesca nas populações de cetáceos. Os pescadores possuem uma percepção positiva sobre os cetáceos, conhecem as áreas onde ocorrem os acidentes e gostariam de evita-os. Eles podem contribuir para as pesquisas sobre estes animais e a elaboração de planos de manejo adequados a realidade local. Isto aponta a necessidade da integração de conhecimentos científicos e locais para a conservação dos cetáceos e para a sustentabilidade das práticas da pesca.
ABSTRACT
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).
