Interactions between cetaceans and artisanal fishermen from Ilhéus, Bahia - Brazil

Cecilia Inés Seminara,Márcio Luiz Vargas Barbosa-Filho,Yvonnick Le Pendu

doi:10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2019-0742

Cecilia Inés Seminara, Márcio Luiz Vargas Barbosa-Filho + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2019-0742

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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.

Highlights

Interactions occur between fishers and cetaceans as a result of fishing grounds overlapping the areas frequented by the animals
Ethnobiological studies emphasize the importance of deepening the analysis of interactions between fishers and cetaceans in order to estimate the extent of these interactions and provide new information about these animals (e.g. Alarcon et al 2009, Zappes et al 2013a, Lenney et al 2015). These interactions may lead to insecurity and economic losses for fishers as a result of reduced catches and damage to fishing gear (Zambonim et al 2009, Zappes et al 2011b); injuries or death of cetaceans from collisions with fishing boats (Marcondes & Engel 2009, Zappes et al 2013b); intentional (Barbosa-Filho et al 2016) or accidental capture (Freitas-Netto & Di Beneditto 2008, Silva et al 2014, Manzan & Lopes 2015, Revuelta et al 2018)
In light of the above, this study aims to assess whether there is an overlap between the fishing grounds and the areas visited by cetaceans, to describe and analyze interactions and to identify possible conflicts between cetaceans and the artisanal fishers of Ilhéus

Summary

Introduction

Interactions occur between fishers and cetaceans as a result of fishing grounds overlapping the areas frequented by the animals. Alarcon et al 2009, Zappes et al 2013a, Lenney et al 2015) These interactions may lead to insecurity and economic losses for fishers as a result of reduced catches and damage to fishing gear (Zambonim et al 2009, Zappes et al 2011b); injuries or death of cetaceans from collisions with fishing boats (Marcondes & Engel 2009, Zappes et al 2013b); intentional (Barbosa-Filho et al 2016) or accidental capture (bycatch) (Freitas-Netto & Di Beneditto 2008, Silva et al 2014, Manzan & Lopes 2015, Revuelta et al 2018). The carcasses of cetaceans that are accidentally killed are discarded at sea, but they may be used for human consumption or for use as bait (Zappes et al 2009, Souza 2011, Lenney et al 2015, Barbosa-Filho et al 2018)

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