Poverty-Food Insecurity Nexus in the Post-Construction Context of a Large Hydropower Dam in the Brazilian Amazon.

Within the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, large hydropower dams are positioned as a sustainable energy source, notwithstanding their adverse impacts on societies and ecosystems. This study contributed to ongoing discussions about the persistence of critical social issues, even after the investments of large amounts of resources in areas impacted by the construction of large hydropower dams. Our study focused on food insecurity and evaluated this issue in the city of Altamira in the Brazilian Amazon, which has been profoundly socially and economically impacted by the construction, between 2011 and 2015, of Brazil's second-largest dam, namely, Belo Monte. A survey in Altamira city featured a 500-household random sample. Structural equation modeling showed conditioning factors of 60% of the population experiencing varying food insecurity degrees. Poverty, female-led households, lower education, youth, and unemployment were strongly linked to higher food insecurity. Crowded, officially impacted, and resettled households also faced heightened food insecurity. Our findings underscore the food insecurity conditions in the region impacted by the Belo Monte dam, emphasizing the need to take into account this crucial issue while planning and implementing hydropower dams.

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research.

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%-18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost.

Fishery parameters and population dynamics of silver croaker on the Xingu river, Brazilian Amazon / Parâmetros pesqueiros e dinâmica populacional da pescada branca no Rio Xingu, Pará, Brasil

The study analyzed the fishery parameters and population dynamics of the silver croaker, Plagioscion squamosissimus, and its exploitation status, before the damming of the Xingu River by the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. Silver croaker was caught throughout the year, with a total production of 239 tons. Estimated Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) was 14.16 kg.fisher-1.day-1. The mean price paid to the fishers for a kilogram of silver croaker ranged from US$1.89 to US$3.28. Mean longevity estimated was 7.68 years. The total mortality (Z) was calculated at approximately 1.44 year-1, natural mortality (M) was 0.76 year-1, fishery mortality (F) was 0.68 year-1, and the current exploitation rate (E) was 0.47 year-1. The study highlights the importance of P. squamosissimus as a fishery resource in the Xingu region and provides important insights for the development of future fishery management strategies and conservation of the species stocks.

Este estudo analisa os parâmetros pesqueiros e dinâmica populacional da pescada branca, Plagioscion squamosissimus, e seu status de explotação, antes do barramento do rio Xingu pela hidrelétrica de Belo Monte. A pescada branca foi capturada durante todo o ano, com uma produção total de 239 toneladas. A captura por Unidade de Esforço (CPUE) foi de 14,16 kg.pescador-1.dia-1. O preço médio pago aos pescadores por um quilo de pescada branca variou entre R$ 4,16e R$ 7,21. A longevidade média estimada para a espécie foi de 7,68 anos. A mortalidade total (Z) foi calculada em aproximadamente 1,44 ano-1, a mortalidade natural (M) foi de 0,76 ano-1, a mortalidade da pesca (F) foi de 0,68 ano-1 e a taxa de exploração atual (E) foi de 0,47 ano-1. O estudo destaca a importância de P. squamosissimus como recurso pesqueiro na região do Xingu, e fornece informações importantes para o desenvolvimento de futuras estratégias de manejo pesqueiro e conservação dos estoques de espécies.

Fishery parameters and population dynamics of silver croaker on the Xingu river, Brazilian Amazon / Parâmetros pesqueiros e dinâmica populacional da pescada branca no Rio Xingu, Pará, Brasil

The study analyzed the fishery parameters and population dynamics of the silver croaker, Plagioscion squamosissimus, and its exploitation status, before the damming of the Xingu River by the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. Silver croaker was caught throughout the year, with a total production of 239 tons. Estimated Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) was 14.16 kg.fisher-1.day-1. The mean price paid to the fishers for a kilogram of silver croaker ranged from US$1.89 to US$3.28. Mean longevity estimated was 7.68 years. The total mortality (Z) was calculated at approximately 1.44 year-1, natural mortality (M) was 0.76 year-1, fishery mortality (F) was 0.68 year-1, and the current exploitation rate (E) was 0.47 year-1. The study highlights the importance of P. squamosissimus as a fishery resource in the Xingu region and provides important insights for the development of future fishery management strategies and conservation of the species stocks.(AU)

Este estudo analisa os parâmetros pesqueiros e dinâmica populacional da pescada branca, Plagioscion squamosissimus, e seu status de explotação, antes do barramento do rio Xingu pela hidrelétrica de Belo Monte. A pescada branca foi capturada durante todo o ano, com uma produção total de 239 toneladas. A captura por Unidade de Esforço (CPUE) foi de 14,16 kg.pescador-1.dia-1. O preço médio pago aos pescadores por um quilo de pescada branca variou entre R$ 4,16e R$ 7,21. A longevidade média estimada para a espécie foi de 7,68 anos. A mortalidade total (Z) foi calculada em aproximadamente 1,44 ano-1, a mortalidade natural (M) foi de 0,76 ano-1, a mortalidade da pesca (F) foi de 0,68 ano-1 e a taxa de exploração atual (E) foi de 0,47 ano-1. O estudo destaca a importância de P. squamosissimus como recurso pesqueiro na região do Xingu, e fornece informações importantes para o desenvolvimento de futuras estratégias de manejo pesqueiro e conservação dos estoques de espécies.(AU)

The invisibility of fisheries in the process of hydropower development across the Amazon.

We analyze the invisibility of fisheries and inadequacy of fishers' participation in the process of hydropower development in the Amazon, focusing on gaps between legally mandated and actual outcomes. Using Ostrom's institutional design principles for assessing common-pool resource management, we selected five case studies from Brazilian Amazonian watersheds to conduct an exploratory comparative case-study analysis. We identify similar problems across basins, including deficiencies in the dam licensing process; critical data gaps; inadequate stakeholder participation; violation of human rights; neglect of fishers' knowledge; lack of organization and representation by fishers' groups; and lack of governmental structure and capacity to manage dam construction activities or support fishers after dam construction. Fishers have generally been marginalized or excluded from decision-making regarding planning, construction, mitigation, compensation, and monitoring of the social-ecological impacts of hydroelectric dams. Addressing these deficiencies will require concerted investments and efforts by dam developers, government agencies and civil society, and the promotion of inter-sectorial dialogue and cross-scale participatory planning and decision-making that includes fishers and their associations.

A pesca da dourada Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (Castelnau, 1855) na região do baixo Amazonas, Brasil / The fishing of gilded catfish Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (Bastelnau, 1855) in the lower Amazon, Brazil

A dourada Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (Castelnau,1855) é um recurso pesqueiro muito explotado na região Amazônica e que não possui nenhuma regulação atualmente. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo descrever a dinâmica da pesca da dourada no Baixo Amazonas, analisando os desembarques pesqueiros no município de Santarém-PA. No período de janeiro de 1993 a dezembro de 2003 foram registradas 14.428 viagens de pesca, totalizando uma produção de 3.413 toneladas de pescado. A captura da dourada é praticada, principalmente, nos canais dos rios, com barcos motorizados e equipados com urnas de gelos. A principal arte de pesca utilizada é a rede de emalhe, com destaque para a “bubuia”, rede de emalhe usada a meia água, colocada à deriva no canal do rio. A captura por unidade de esforço (CPUE) estimada para a pesca desembarcada pelos barcos pescadores atuando com “bubuia” foi de 13,80 kg/pescador*dia. O preço médio de primeira comercialização do quilo da dourada desembarcada variou de R$ 2,40 a R$ 6,20. A pesca da dourada (B. rousseauxii) apresenta um padrão sazonal associado ao ciclo hidrológico, no qual os meses de redução do nível do rio correspondem ao período de safra. Este estudo demonstra a importância desse recurso para a região e vem contribuir como subsídio para um futuro ordenamento pesqueiro e manejo da espécie, que hoje em dia não possui nenhuma regulamentação.(AU)

Gilded catfish Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (Castelnau, 1855) is a heavily exploited Amazon Basin fishing resource without management measures till nowadays. Thus, present research aims to describe the fishing Gilded catfish dynamics in the Lower Amazon, analyzing Santarém-PA fish landings. A total of 14,428 fishing landings were recorded, from January 1993 to December 2003, with a total production of 3,413 tonnes. The gilded catfish caught mainly in the river channels by motorized vessels with ice storage. The main gear used are gillnets driftnet through ‘bubuia technique. The catch per unit effort was 13.80 Kg/fisher*day. The average price of first sale ranged from R$ 2.40 to R$ 6.20 per Kg. The fishing of gilded catfish (B. rousseauxii) presents a seasonal pattern associated with the hydrological cycle, where the reduction in the level of the river include the period of harvest. This research highlighted regional importance of this fishing resource in an era of increasing food security and human nutritional concerns, especially in developing countries.(AU)

A pesca da dourada Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (Castelnau, 1855) na região do baixo Amazonas, Brasil / The fishing of gilded catfish Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (Bastelnau, 1855) in the lower Amazon, Brazil

A dourada Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (Castelnau,1855) é um recurso pesqueiro muito explotado na região Amazônica e que não possui nenhuma regulação atualmente. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo descrever a dinâmica da pesca da dourada no Baixo Amazonas, analisando os desembarques pesqueiros no município de Santarém-PA. No período de janeiro de 1993 a dezembro de 2003 foram registradas 14.428 viagens de pesca, totalizando uma produção de 3.413 toneladas de pescado. A captura da dourada é praticada, principalmente, nos canais dos rios, com barcos motorizados e equipados com urnas de gelos. A principal arte de pesca utilizada é a rede de emalhe, com destaque para a “bubuia”, rede de emalhe usada a meia água, colocada à deriva no canal do rio. A captura por unidade de esforço (CPUE) estimada para a pesca desembarcada pelos barcos pescadores atuando com “bubuia” foi de 13,80 kg/pescador*dia. O preço médio de primeira comercialização do quilo da dourada desembarcada variou de R$ 2,40 a R$ 6,20. A pesca da dourada (B. rousseauxii) apresenta um padrão sazonal associado ao ciclo hidrológico, no qual os meses de redução do nível do rio correspondem ao período de safra. Este estudo demonstra a importância desse recurso para a região e vem contribuir como subsídio para um futuro ordenamento pesqueiro e manejo da espécie, que hoje em dia não possui nenhuma regulamentação.

Gilded catfish Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (Castelnau, 1855) is a heavily exploited Amazon Basin fishing resource without management measures till nowadays. Thus, present research aims to describe the fishing Gilded catfish dynamics in the Lower Amazon, analyzing Santarém-PA fish landings. A total of 14,428 fishing landings were recorded, from January 1993 to December 2003, with a total production of 3,413 tonnes. The gilded catfish caught mainly in the river channels by motorized vessels with ice storage. The main gear used are gillnets driftnet through ‘bubuia’ technique. The catch per unit effort was 13.80 Kg/fisher*day. The average price of first sale ranged from R$ 2.40 to R$ 6.20 per Kg. The fishing of gilded catfish (B. rousseauxii) presents a seasonal pattern associated with the hydrological cycle, where the reduction in the level of the river include the period of harvest. This research highlighted regional importance of this fishing resource in an era of increasing food security and human nutritional concerns, especially in developing countries.

Cadeia comercial de peixes ornamentais do Rio Xingu, Pará, Brasil / Ornamental fish chain of Xingu River, Pará, Brazil

Este trabalho descreve os canais e as margens de comercialização de cinco espécies de peixes ornamentais capturadas no rio Xingu, estado do Pará, Brasil. A coleta de dados foi realizada de forma intencional e sequencial junto a 51 agentes da cadeia de comercialização, incluindo pescadores, atacadistas e varejistas nacionais e internacionais. Os resultados indicam que as espécies ornamentais podem passar por até seis agentes de comercialização antes do consumidor final. O acari picota ouro (Scobinancistrus aureatus) é a espécie mais valorizada no mercado, chegando a ser vendida ao consumidor final pelo preço unitário de R$ 543,00, um aumento de 1.361% no mercado norte americano e 1.527% no mercado europeu em relação ao preço da exportação brasileira. As margens de comercialização são elevadas: 92,68% no mercado europeu e 89,24% no mercado norte americano. Observando as distribuições de benefícios, conclui-se que o mercado internacional se apropria da maior parcela do valor gerado pela atividade.(AU)

This paper describes the marketing ways and the margins of trade of five species of ornamental fish species, which are caught on the Xingu River, State of Pará, Brazil. Data collection was carried out intentionally and sequentially of 51 actors of the supply chain, including fishermen, wholesalers and national and international retailers. The results indicate that ornamental fish can undergo up to six marketing agents before arriving to the finish consumer. The sunshine pleco (Scobinancistrus aureatus) is the species of the greatest value in the market, being sold to the final consumer at the price of up to R$ 543.00, an increase of 1,361% in the North American market and 1,527% in the European market. The marketing margins are high: 92.68% in the European market and 89.24% in the North American market. Looking at the distributions of benefits, it is concluded that the international market appropriates the greater part of the value generated by the activity.(AU)

Cadeia comercial de peixes ornamentais do Rio Xingu, Pará, Brasil / Ornamental fish chain of Xingu River, Pará, Brazil

Este trabalho descreve os canais e as margens de comercialização de cinco espécies de peixes ornamentais capturadas no rio Xingu, estado do Pará, Brasil. A coleta de dados foi realizada de forma intencional e sequencial junto a 51 agentes da cadeia de comercialização, incluindo pescadores, atacadistas e varejistas nacionais e internacionais. Os resultados indicam que as espécies ornamentais podem passar por até seis agentes de comercialização antes do consumidor final. O acari picota ouro (Scobinancistrus aureatus) é a espécie mais valorizada no mercado, chegando a ser vendida ao consumidor final pelo preço unitário de R$ 543,00, um aumento de 1.361% no mercado norte americano e 1.527% no mercado europeu em relação ao preço da exportação brasileira. As margens de comercialização são elevadas: 92,68% no mercado europeu e 89,24% no mercado norte americano. Observando as distribuições de benefícios, conclui-se que o mercado internacional se apropria da maior parcela do valor gerado pela atividade.

This paper describes the marketing ways and the margins of trade of five species of ornamental fish species, which are caught on the Xingu River, State of Pará, Brazil. Data collection was carried out intentionally and sequentially of 51 actors of the supply chain, including fishermen, wholesalers and national and international retailers. The results indicate that ornamental fish can undergo up to six marketing agents before arriving to the finish consumer. The sunshine pleco (Scobinancistrus aureatus) is the species of the greatest value in the market, being sold to the final consumer at the price of up to R$ 543.00, an increase of 1,361% in the North American market and 1,527% in the European market. The marketing margins are high: 92.68% in the European market and 89.24% in the North American market. Looking at the distributions of benefits, it is concluded that the international market appropriates the greater part of the value generated by the activity.

Resource Partitioning between Two Piranhas (Serrasalmus gibbus and Serrasalmus rhombeus) in an Amazonian Reservoir.

The exploitation of resources by closely related species with similar niches may be mediated by differences in activity patterns, which may vary in nycthemeral scale and seasonal scale. Piranhas Serrasalmus gibbus and Serrasalmus rhombeus are Neotropical predators that occur sympatrically in many environments of the Amazon basin. To evaluate the strategies adopted by these two species in a restricted environment (a reservoir), nycthemeral and seasonal samples were made, identifying the composition of the diet and their activity patterns. A total of 402 specimens were collected: 341 S. gibbus and 61 S. rhombeus. Both species fed themselves primarily on fish, with some seasonal variation being found in S. gibbus during the flood season, when plant material was consumed. There was considerable temporal overlap in the foraging behavior of the two species, although S. rhombeus presented a bimodal pattern of abundance over the 24-hour cycle. S. rhombeus was more active during the nighttime, between dusk and early morning, whereas S. gibbus was active throughout the nycthemeral cycle. These findings indicate low levels of competition between the two species, which allowed for a considerable overlap in nighttime foraging, following distinct nycthemeral patterns of foraging activity and allowing their coexistence.

Restoration Effects of the Riparian Forest on the Intertidal Fish Fauna in an Urban Area of the Amazon River.

Urbanization causes environmental impacts that threaten the health of aquatic communities and alter their recovery patterns. In this study, we evaluated the diversity of intertidal fish in six areas affected by urbanization (areas with native vegetation, deforested areas, and areas in process of restoration of vegetation) along an urban waterfront in the Amazon River. 20 species were identified, representing 17 genera, 14 families, and 8 orders. The different degrees of habitat degradation had a major effect on the composition of the fish fauna; the two least affected sectors were the only ones in that all 20 species were found. Eight species were recorded in the most degraded areas. The analysis revealed two well-defined groups, coinciding with the sectors in better ecological quality and degraded areas, respectively. The native vegetation has been identified as the crucial factor to the recovery and homeostasis of the studied ecosystem, justifying its legal protection and its use in the restoration and conservation of altered and threatened environments. These results reinforce the importance of maintaining the native vegetation as well as its restoration in order to benefit of the fish populations in intertidal zones impacted by alterations resulting from inadequate urbanization.

Spatio-temporal variation of the density of shrimps Farfantepenaeus subtilis, Litopenaeus schmitti and Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Crustacea; Decapoda) in the Curuçá Estuary, North of Brazil / Variação espaço-temporal da densidade de camarões Farfantepenaeus subtilis, Litopenaeus schmitti e Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Crustacea; Decapoda) no Estuário de Curuçá, Norte do Brasil

The shrimps Penaeidae represent one of the most frequent and exploited fishery resources in coastal regions worldwide. In the estuaries of the north coast of Brazil they are caught, even when juveniles, by artisanal fisheries and mostly serving local markets. The objective of this study was to determine the composition, abundance and spatio-temporal distribution of species of Penaeidae shrimp caught in the Curuçá estuary, State of Pará, north coast of Brazil. The samples were collected every two months from July 2003 to July 2004 in eight sampling sites using an otter trawl net when the tide was ebbing. Two profiles were selected to study this area: Muriá tidal creek and the Curuçá River, with four sampling points in each site. A total of 6,158 Penaeidae shrimps, belonging to three species, were obtained. Farfantepenaeus subtilis was the dominant species with 78.5% of the total of shrimps, followed by Litopenaeus schmitti and Xiphopenaeus kroyeri that corresponded to 11.5 and 9.8%, respectively. The highest density of F. subtilis and X. kroyeri was obtained during the rainy season (p < 0.05), with a density of 197.4 ind./1,000 m2 and 23.7 ind./1,000 m2 respectively, both in March/04. The white shrimp (L. schmitti) was more abundant in the dry season and had two peaks of larger density in July 2003 (10.4 individuals/1,000 m2), dry season and one second peak in March (16.5 individuals/1,000 m2), rainy season. These results show the importance of the Curuçá estuary for the life cycle and maintenance of coastal stocks of these species.(AU)

Os camarões Penaeidae representam um dos recursos pesqueiros mais freqüentes e explorados nas regiões costeiras de todo o mundo. Nos estuários da costa norte do Brasil eles são pescados, ainda quando jovens, de forma artesanal e abastecem principalmente os mercados locais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a composição, a abundância e a distribuição espacial e temporal das espécies de camarões Penaeidae capturadas no estuário de Curuçá, Estado do Pará, costa norte do Brasil. Coletas bimestrais de julho/03 a julho/04 foram realizadas em oito locais de coleta, distribuídos em dois perfis desse estuário (Rio Curuçá e Furo Muriá) usando uma rede de arrasto otter trawl durante a maré vazante diurna. Dois perfis foram selecionados para o estudo nesta área: o canal-de-maré Muriá e o Rio Curuçá, com quatro coletas em cada local. Um total de 6.158 camarões Penaeidae pertencentes a três espécies foram obtidos. Farfantepenaeus subtilis foi a espécie dominante, com 78,5% do total de camarões, seguido por Litopenaeus schmitti e Xiphopenaeus kroyeri que corresponderam a 11,5 e 9,8%, respectivamente. A maior densidade do camarão-rosa (F. subtilis) e do camarão-sete-barbas (X. kroyeri) foi registrada durante o período chuvoso (p 0,05), com densidade de 197,4 ind./1000 m2 e 23,7 ind./1000 m2, respectivamente, ambas em março/2004. O camarão-branco (L. schmitti) foi significativamente mais abundante no período seco (p <0,05), e suas maiores densidades ocorreram em julho/03 (10,4 ind./1000m2), período seco, e um segundo pico em março/04 (16,5 ind./1000m2), período chuvoso. Estes resultados demonstram a importância do estuário de Curuçá para o ciclo de vida e manutenção dos estoques costeiros destas espécies, bem comoauxiliam nas discussões sobre o período de defeso.(AU)

Spatio-temporal variation of the density of shrimps Farfantepenaeus subtilis, Litopenaeus schmitti and Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Crustacea; Decapoda) in the Curuçá Estuary, North of Brazil / Variação espaço-temporal da densidade de camarões Farfantepenaeus subtilis, Litopenaeus schmitti e Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Crustacea; Decapoda) no Estuário de Curuçá, Norte do Brasil

The shrimps Penaeidae represent one of the most frequent and exploited fishery resources in coastal regions worldwide. In the estuaries of the north coast of Brazil they are caught, even when juveniles, by artisanal fisheries and mostly serving local markets. The objective of this study was to determine the composition, abundance and spatio-temporal distribution of species of Penaeidae shrimp caught in the Curuçá estuary, State of Pará, north coast of Brazil. The samples were collected every two months from July 2003 to July 2004 in eight sampling sites using an otter trawl net when the tide was ebbing. Two profiles were selected to study this area: Muriá tidal creek and the Curuçá River, with four sampling points in each site. A total of 6,158 Penaeidae shrimps, belonging to three species, were obtained. Farfantepenaeus subtilis was the dominant species with 78.5% of the total of shrimps, followed by Litopenaeus schmitti and Xiphopenaeus kroyeri that corresponded to 11.5 and 9.8%, respectively. The highest density of F. subtilis and X. kroyeri was obtained during the rainy season (p < 0.05), with a density of 197.4 ind./1,000 m2 and 23.7 ind./1,000 m2 respectively, both in March/04. The white shrimp (L. schmitti) was more abundant in the dry season and had two peaks of larger density in July 2003 (10.4 individuals/1,000 m2), dry season and one second peak in March (16.5 individuals/1,000 m2), rainy season. These results show the importance of the Curuçá estuary for the life cycle and maintenance of coastal stocks of these species.

Os camarões Penaeidae representam um dos recursos pesqueiros mais freqüentes e explorados nas regiões costeiras de todo o mundo. Nos estuários da costa norte do Brasil eles são pescados, ainda quando jovens, de forma artesanal e abastecem principalmente os mercados locais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a composição, a abundância e a distribuição espacial e temporal das espécies de camarões Penaeidae capturadas no estuário de Curuçá, Estado do Pará, costa norte do Brasil. Coletas bimestrais de julho/03 a julho/04 foram realizadas em oito locais de coleta, distribuídos em dois perfis desse estuário (Rio Curuçá e Furo Muriá) usando uma rede de arrasto otter trawl durante a maré vazante diurna. Dois perfis foram selecionados para o estudo nesta área: o canal-de-maré Muriá e o Rio Curuçá, com quatro coletas em cada local. Um total de 6.158 camarões Penaeidae pertencentes a três espécies foram obtidos. Farfantepenaeus subtilis foi a espécie dominante, com 78,5% do total de camarões, seguido por Litopenaeus schmitti e Xiphopenaeus kroyeri que corresponderam a 11,5 e 9,8%, respectivamente. A maior densidade do camarão-rosa (F. subtilis) e do camarão-sete-barbas (X. kroyeri) foi registrada durante o período chuvoso (p 0,05), com densidade de 197,4 ind./1000 m2 e 23,7 ind./1000 m2, respectivamente, ambas em março/2004. O camarão-branco (L. schmitti) foi significativamente mais abundante no período seco (p <0,05), e suas maiores densidades ocorreram em julho/03 (10,4 ind./1000m2), período seco, e um segundo pico em março/04 (16,5 ind./1000m2), período chuvoso. Estes resultados demonstram a importância do estuário de Curuçá para o ciclo de vida e manutenção dos estoques costeiros destas espécies, bem comoauxiliam nas discussões sobre o período de defeso.

Multispecies Fisheries in the Lower Amazon River and Its Relationship with the Regional and Global Climate Variability.

This paper aims to describe the spatial-temporal variability in catch of the main fishery resources of the Amazon River and floodplain lakes of the Lower Amazon, as well as relating the Catch per Unit of Effort with anomalies of some of the Amazon River, atmosphere and Atlantic Ocean system variables, determining the influence of the environment on the Amazonian fishery resources. Finfish landings data from the towns and villages of the Lower Amazon for the fisheries of three sites (Óbidos, Santarém and Monte Alegre), were obtained for the period between January 1993 and December 2004. Analysis of variance, detrended correspondence analysis, redundancy analysis and multiple regression techniques were used for the statistical analysis of the distinct time series. Fisheries production in the Lower Amazon presents differences between the Amazon River and the floodplain lakes. Production in the Amazon River is approximately half of the one of the floodplain lakes. This variability occurs both along the Lower Amazon River region (longitudinal gradient) and laterally (latitudinal gradient) for every fishing ground studied here. The distinct environmental variables alone or in association act differently on the fishery stocks and the success of catches in each fishery group studied here. Important variables are the flooding events; the soil the sea surface temperatures; the humidity; the wind and the occurence of El Niño-Southern Oscillation events. Fishery productivity presents a large difference in quantity and distribution patterns between the river and floodplain lakes. This variability occurs in the region of the Lower Amazon as well as laterally for each fishery group studied, being dependent on the ecological characteristics and life strategies of each fish group considered here.

Food consumption as an indicator of the conservation of natural resources in riverine communities of the Brazilian Amazon.

The present study analyzed and compared the daily consumption of foods of animal origin in eleven communities of the Lower Amazon, Trombetas and Purus Rivers, representing three different management systems and levels of conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. All food items of animal origin were weighed by at least 10% of the families in the study communities during a week in each period of the flood cycle between 2006 and 2008. Fish was the most important food, and was consumed during six days of the week, with an average rate of 169 kg.person(-1).year(-1). Game was second in importance, with 37 kg.person(-1).year-(1). This yearly rate of fish consumption is one of the highest in the world and is almost double the minimum recommended by the World Health Organization. The dietary patterns reflect both the isolation of the communities from large urban centers and the better preservation of the local environments due to the existence of protected areas. Environmental degradation may thus have effects on the health and food security of local populations. The study emphasizes the need for the implementation of public policies and participative management initiatives.

Populational biology of three Penaeidae shrimps (Decapoda) in the Curuçá estuary on the northern coast of Brazil / Biologia populacional de camarões Penaeidae (Decapoda) no estuário de Curuçá, costa norte do Brasil

Sex ratio, population structure, and relative growth of Farfantepenaeus subtilis (Pérez-Farfante, 1967), Litopenaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1936), and Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) were studied in the Curuçá estuary, State of Pará, northern coast of Brazil. Samples were collected bimonthly from July 2003 to July 2004 using a wing trawl net. Each shrimp was identified and weighed, carapace length was measured, and sex was determined. We obtained 4,818 specimens of F. subtilis, 732 specimens of L. schmitti, and 608 specimens of X. kroyeri. Mean carapace length and weight were 11.95 mm and 1.29 g for F. subtilis, 15.32 mm and 3.67 g for L. schmitti, and 12.78 mm and 0.97 g for X. kroyeri, respectively. The sex proportion (males/females) was 0.8 for F. subtilis, 0.7 for L. schmitti, and 0.6 for X. kroyeri, with significant differences (P 0.05) for the three species studied. Farfantepenaeus subtilis and L. schmitti had positive allometric growth, while X. kroyeri had negative allometric growth. For F. subtilis two important recruitment periods were observed.The largest period occurred in March; and the other, less intense, began in September. For L. schmitti, recruitment occurred in July and in March. Xiphopenaeus kroyeri didnt occur in November, with recruitment in January. Results show the importance of the Curuçá estuary in the development of these shrimps,and the information obtained is important for future management plans for its capture in this area.(AU)

A razão sexual, a estrutura populacional e o crescimento relativo de Farfantepenaeus subtilis (Pérez-Farfante, 1967), Litopenaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1936) e Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) foram estudados no estuário de Curuçá, Estado do Pará, costa norte do Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas bimestralmente, de julho de 2003 a julho de 2004, utilizando uma rede de arrasto wing trawl. Cada camarão foi identificado, mensurado pelo seu comprimento da carapaça, pesado, e teve o sexo determinado. Foram obtidos 4.818 espécimes de F. subtilis, 732 de L. schmitti e 608 de X. kroyeri. Os valores médios dos comprimentos da carapaça e dos pesos foram 11,95 mm e 1,29 g para F. subtilis, 15,32 mm e 3,67 g para L. schmitti e 12,78 mm e 0,97 g para X. kroyeri, respectivamente. A proporção sexual (machos/fêmeas) foi de 0,8 para F. subtilis, 0,7 para L. schmitti e 0,6 para X. kroyeri, com diferenças significativas (P 0,05) para as três espécies estudadas. Farfantepenaeus subtilis e L. schmitti apresentaram crescimento alométrico positivo, enquanto X. kroyeri teve crescimento alométrico negativo. Para F. subtilis foram observados dois importantes períodos de recrutamento. O maior ocorreu em março; e o outro, menos intenso, iniciou em setembro. Para L. schmitti, o recrutamento ocorreu em julho e em março. Xiphopenaeus kroyeri foi ausente em novembro, com recrutamento em janeiro. Os resultados demonstram a importância do estuário Curuçá para o desenvolvimento desses camarões, sendo as informações obtidasimportantes para futuros planos de gestão de sua captura na área.(AU)

Populational biology of three Penaeidae shrimps (Decapoda) in the Curuçá estuary on the northern coast of Brazil / Biologia populacional de camarões Penaeidae (Decapoda) no estuário de Curuçá, costa norte do Brasil

Sex ratio, population structure, and relative growth of Farfantepenaeus subtilis (Pérez-Farfante, 1967), Litopenaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1936), and Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) were studied in the Curuçá estuary, State of Pará, northern coast of Brazil. Samples were collected bimonthly from July 2003 to July 2004 using a wing trawl net. Each shrimp was identified and weighed, carapace length was measured, and sex was determined. We obtained 4,818 specimens of F. subtilis, 732 specimens of L. schmitti, and 608 specimens of X. kroyeri. Mean carapace length and weight were 11.95 mm and 1.29 g for F. subtilis, 15.32 mm and 3.67 g for L. schmitti, and 12.78 mm and 0.97 g for X. kroyeri, respectively. The sex proportion (males/females) was 0.8 for F. subtilis, 0.7 for L. schmitti, and 0.6 for X. kroyeri, with significant differences (P 0.05) for the three species studied. Farfantepenaeus subtilis and L. schmitti had positive allometric growth, while X. kroyeri had negative allometric growth. For F. subtilis two important recruitment periods were observed.The largest period occurred in March; and the other, less intense, began in September. For L. schmitti, recruitment occurred in July and in March. Xiphopenaeus kroyeri didn’t occur in November, with recruitment in January. Results show the importance of the Curuçá estuary in the development of these shrimps,and the information obtained is important for future management plans for its capture in this area.

A razão sexual, a estrutura populacional e o crescimento relativo de Farfantepenaeus subtilis (Pérez-Farfante, 1967), Litopenaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1936) e Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) foram estudados no estuário de Curuçá, Estado do Pará, costa norte do Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas bimestralmente, de julho de 2003 a julho de 2004, utilizando uma rede de arrasto wing trawl. Cada camarão foi identificado, mensurado pelo seu comprimento da carapaça, pesado, e teve o sexo determinado. Foram obtidos 4.818 espécimes de F. subtilis, 732 de L. schmitti e 608 de X. kroyeri. Os valores médios dos comprimentos da carapaça e dos pesos foram 11,95 mm e 1,29 g para F. subtilis, 15,32 mm e 3,67 g para L. schmitti e 12,78 mm e 0,97 g para X. kroyeri, respectivamente. A proporção sexual (machos/fêmeas) foi de 0,8 para F. subtilis, 0,7 para L. schmitti e 0,6 para X. kroyeri, com diferenças significativas (P 0,05) para as três espécies estudadas. Farfantepenaeus subtilis e L. schmitti apresentaram crescimento alométrico positivo, enquanto X. kroyeri teve crescimento alométrico negativo. Para F. subtilis foram observados dois importantes períodos de recrutamento. O maior ocorreu em março; e o outro, menos intenso, iniciou em setembro. Para L. schmitti, o recrutamento ocorreu em julho e em março. Xiphopenaeus kroyeri foi ausente em novembro, com recrutamento em janeiro. Os resultados demonstram a importância do estuário Curuçá para o desenvolvimento desses camarões, sendo as informações obtidasimportantes para futuros planos de gestão de sua captura na área.

Experimental study on the efficiency of different types of traps and baits for harvesting Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) / Estudo experimental da eficiências de diferentes tipologias de artes e iscas para a captura de Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862)

Macrobrachium amazonicum is a freshwater prawn endemic to South America with wide distribution in Brazilian Amazon rivers. In estuary and freshwater streams of the Pará State, they are captured with different types of traps locally know matapi. This study evaluated the efficiency of traps of different sizes (large, medium and small) and baits (babassu coconut and fish) for sampling this shrimp. Samplings were conducted with 24 traps with different treatments (trap size and bait). We captured 909 specimens. Higher mean catches were observed in traps baited with babassu coconut. Interactions between babassu coconut bait and medium matapi (BM-M), and fish bait and large matapi (FISH-L) were significant. Carapace length (CL) varied significantly between sites (F = 12.74, p < 0.01). The total maximum length was 13.65 cm. Medium traps baited with babassu coconut were the most successful in the tested combinations, however, there was a clear correlation between size trap and size of shrimp, for both body weight and carapace length.

Macrobrachium amazonicum é uma espécie de camarão endêmico da América do Sul e está amplamente distribuída nos rios da bacia amazônica brasileira. Nos estuários e cursos de água do estado do Pará são capturados com uso de armadilhas tradicionais conhecidos como 'matapis'. O presente estudo incidiu sobre as técnicas utilizadas pelos pescadores locais, no estado do Pará, além de avaliar a eficácia de diferentes tipos de armadilhas (com tamanhos grande, médio e pequeno) e iscas (de peixe ou farelo de babaçu). As amostras foram obtidas por 24 armadilhas sob diferentes tratamentos (tamanho da arte e isca). Foram capturados 909 indivíduos. As capturas médias nos locais foram maiores nas armadilhas com farelo de babaçu. As interações entre isca babaçu e matapis de tamanho médio (BM- M), e isca de peixe e grandes matapis (FISH- L) foram significativas. O comprimento da carapaça (CL) variou significativamente entre os locais (F = 12,74, p < 0,01). O comprimento máximo total registrado foi de 13,65 cm. As armadilhas de médio porte com isca de babaçu foram os mais bem sucedidos nas combinações testadas, no entanto, houve uma clara relação entre o tamanho da armadilha e o tamanho do camarão capturado, tanto em termos de peso corporal e comprimento da carapaça.

Experimental study on the efficiency of different types of traps and baits for harvesting Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) / Estudo experimental da eficiências de diferentes tipologias de artes e iscas para a captura de Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862)

Macrobrachium amazonicum is a freshwater prawn endemic to South America with wide distribution in Brazilian Amazon rivers. In estuary and freshwater streams of the Pará State, they are captured with different types of traps locally know matapi. This study evaluated the efficiency of traps of different sizes (large, medium and small) and baits (babassu coconut and fish) for sampling this shrimp. Samplings were conducted with 24 traps with different treatments (trap size and bait). We captured 909 specimens. Higher mean catches were observed in traps baited with babassu coconut. Interactions between babassu coconut bait and medium matapi (BM-M), and fish bait and large matapi (FISH-L) were significant. Carapace length (CL) varied significantly between sites (F = 12.74, p 0.01). The total maximum length was13.65 cm. Medium traps baited with babassu coconut were the most successful in the tested combinations, however, there was a clear correlation between size trap and size of shrimp, for both body weight and carapace length.(AU)

Macrobrachium amazonicum é uma espécie de camarão endêmico da América do Sul e está amplamente distribuída nos rios da bacia amazônica brasileira. Nos estuários e cursos de água do estado do Pará são capturados com uso de armadilhas tradicionais conhecidos como matapis. O presente estudo incidiu sobre as técnicas utilizadas pelos pescadores locais, no estado do Pará, além de avaliar a eficácia de diferentes tipos de armadilhas (com tamanhos grande, médio e pequeno) e iscas (de peixe ou farelo de babaçu). As amostras foram obtidas por 24 armadilhas sob diferentes tratamentos (tamanho da arte e isca). Foram capturados 909 indivíduos. As capturas médias nos locais foram maiores nas armadilhas com farelo de babaçu. As interações entre isca babaçu e matapis de tamanho médio (BM- M), e isca de peixe e grandes matapis (FISH- L) foram significativas. O comprimento da carapaça (CL) variou significativamente entre os locais (F = 12,74, p 0,01). O comprimento máximo total registrado foi de 13,65 cm. As armadilhas de médio porte com isca de babaçu foram os mais bem sucedidos nas combinações testadas, no entanto, houve uma clara relação entre o tamanho da armadilha e o tamanho do camarão capturado, tanto em termos de peso corporal e comprimento da carapaça(AU)

Habitat use, size structure and sex ratio of the spot-legged turtle, Rhinoclemmys punctularia punctularia (Testudines: Geoemydidae), in Algodoal-Maiandeua Island, Pará, Brazil.

Rhinoclemmys punctularia punctularia is a semi-aquatic chelonian found in Northern South America. We analyzed the habitat use, size structure and sex ratio of the species on Algodoal-Maiandeua Island, a protected area on the Northeastern coast of the Brazilian state of Pará. Four distinct habitats (coastal plain lake, flooded forest "igapó", interdunal lakes, and tidal channels) were surveyed during the rainy (March and April) and dry (August and September) seasons of 2009, using hoop traps. For the analysis of population structure, additional data were taken in March and August, 2008. A total of 169 individuals were captured in flooded forest (igapó), lakes of the coastal plain and, occasionally, in temporary pools. Capture rates were highest in the coastal plain lake, possibly due to the greater availability of the fruits that form part of the diet of R. p. punctularia. Of the physical-chemical variables measured, salinity appeared to be the only factor to have a significant negative effect on capture rates. The sex ratio was only slightly biased to females, and did not vary between habitats or seasons. Straight carapace length was significantly larger in females, but did not vary between habitats. Overall, the evidence indicates that both biotic and abiotic factors like food availability, low current and salinity, influence the habitats selection and use by R. p. punctularia on Algodoal-Maiandeua Island.