Fishing In Brazil Research Articles

Spatial distribution and fecundity of the cinnamon shrimp, Macrobrachium acanthurus (Wiegmann, 1836) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae) from Jequitinhonha River (BA), Brazil

ABSTRACT Macrobrachium acanthurus is an amphidromous palaemonid shrimp exploited by artisanal fishing in Brazil that presents limited published information on its population biology. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and fecundity of M. acanthurus in the Jequitinhonha River (BA). Collections occurred at four points in the river downstream of the Itapebi Hydroelectric Powerplant (P1–P4). The abundance and size of the demographic categories analysed (male morphotypes, non-ovigerous females, and ovigerous females) and fecundity were compared among points. We also examined the relationship between female body size and fecundity. A total of 938 individuals were collected during the sampling period. The highest abundances were observed downstream (P3 and P4). The sizes of males and ovigerous females were greater at points farthest upstream. Three male morphotypes were identified, and their proportions varied among points. Fecundity was higher upstream, and there was a positive correlation between female size and number of eggs. All population parameters indicate a longitudinal gradient towards the estuary, with strong evidence of amphidromy. This is the first study with a polymorphic species to consider morphotypes as a population structure component. The results represent an important contribution to a better understanding of the amphidromous life cycle of palaemonid shrimp.

Interactions between Cetaceans (suborder Odontoceti) and Artisanal Fishing in Brazil: an ethnoecological approach

Studies based on the relationship between humans and the natural environment have been proven to be important tools for understanding the influence, knowledge, and perceptions associated with the web of interactions between humans, species and ecosystems. Here, we highlight the interactions between cetaceans and artisanal fishing. Thus, this study aimed to: a) compile studies that consider artisanal fishing and its interactions with small cetaceans in Brazil; b) understand research trends over the years; c) analyse the distribution of studies by country region; d) perform authorship and citation analyses; e) classify the interactions between cetaceans and artisanal fishing recorded by authors and f) identify dolphin species registered in the study. To achieve this, we reviewed the current status of national publications related to the interactions of cetaceans (suborder Odontoceti) with artisanal fishing in Brazil, focusing on ethnoecological studies. Seven databases were used to survey the studies. To classify the interactions, we adopted the categorization proposed by Freitas-Netto and adapted by Di Beneditto. Based on the data analysis, we registered 12 types of interactions, seven of which were grouped according to the descriptions proposed by Di Beneditto and five new categories were described based on the results of this study. The studies reported the interaction of 43.2% (n=16) of the 37 odontocete species reported to occur in Brazil, with emphasis on the species Sotalia guianensis, Tursiops truncatus, Pontoporia blainvillei, Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis. From our research it was possible to observe that ethnoecological studies allow us to answer important questions about the occurrence of species and aspects of fishing. Furthermore, we reinforce the importance of developing studies which focus on the knowledge of the existing relationships between cetaceans and traditional fishing methods, since studies on this topic can generate data that contribute to the establishment of mitigation strategies and the management of species and ecosystems.

Participatory scenario planning as a useful method for transforming ocean conflicts: Insights from a small-scale fishing conflict in São Paulo coast, Brazil

There are several initiatives towards the science-policy interface and the co-production of knowledge, but there is still few methodological and empirically grounded guidance helping scientists to design and implement research that actively facilitate transformative changes in ocean conflicts. In this paper, we explore the potential of the participatory scenario planning tool in the transformation of a conflict case on small-scale fishing in Brazil. We highlight the lessons learned, potential, and challenges of the scenario planning approach for conflict transformation. Despite being an approach widely applied to coastal and marine environmental and management issues, the scenarios methodology has not been explicitly applied in conflict situations, with the parties in dispute, as we did. Our methodological approach consisted of a previous research stage, based on documental analysis, direct observation of meetings and semi-structured interviews, followed by a participatory scenario planning workshop. Our results show that the participatory scenario planning was able to find the common desires as well as the uncertainties that generated doubts, mistrust, and in many moments disagreements among different groups of stakeholders that were in conflict. Previous research and the employment of multiple methods to build the history of the conflict contributed to legitimate researchers' positionality, to know the parties involved and the power dynamics. We raised some questions to advance the understanding of how the participatory scenarios planning contribute to transforming ocean conflicts in a more critical and politicized view.

Sport fishing in Brazil: the current state

Sport fishing has ecological, economic, and social importance, but there are few studies that characterize it according to the sustainability tripod. Due to this gap, we present a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the current situation of sport fishing in Brazil. The papers on the subject were systematically evaluated based on quantitative criteria. Additionally, in order to create a list of the species of interest of sport fishers, the survey of 22 papers was carried out regarding the species caught. A total of 70 complete papers published between 1994 and 2021 were included in the study. Since the 1990s, publications have increased quantitatively, with most studies coming from the South-Eastern region of Brazil (39.19%). The papers published discussed, in the majority, the sport fishing carried out in marine environment (55.38%), and the focus was “fishing and fishers” (30%). Evaluating the sustainability tripod, most of the papers provided only information regarding the ecological aspect (58.57%). About 330 species of marine and freshwater fish of interest to sport fishers were dealt with in the studies. This information reflects the current state of knowledge about Brazilian sport fishing, and it can serve as a basis for the management of the activity and the target species used by fishers. Additionally, the present review can serve as an aid for future research on this topic.

The contribution of fishing to human well-being in Brazilian coastal communities

Artisanal fishing is the main economic and cultural livelihood on the Brazilian coast, strongly contributing to the well-being of fishing communities. However, access to these benefits depends on both local governance and the availability of resources. Here, we investigate Brazilian artisanal fishers’ perceptions of cultural, economic, governance, health and social contributions that artisanal fishing makes to their well-being. We also investigate the influence of geographic (e.g., level of protection) and socioeconomic characteristics (e.g., gender, income and amount of experience) on these perceptions. To do this we conducted 230 structured interviews with fishers from three different areas, two that fish inside protected areas and one that fishes in an urbanized, unprotected area. Our results demonstrate that fishers recognize a wide range of potential well-being benefits from artisanal fishing. Nevertheless, fishers from different areas had significantly different perceptions of cultural, economic, health, and social benefits from artisanal fishing. Perceptions of economic and social benefits seem to be influenced by income while cultural benefits were more influenced by income and gender. Perception of the health benefits of fishing was most influenced by the amount of fishing experience. In contrast to other studies, that primarily focus on the economic benefits of fishing, our research provides a multidimensional perspective of the benefits generated by the practice of artisanal fishing in Brazil. These data can support political decisions that strengthen the management and governance of artisanal fishing, contributing to increasing the well-being of fishing communities and the conservation of limited fisheries resources.

Helminth parasites of Cichla ocellaris Bloch & Schneider, 1801 collected in the Jacaré-Pepira River, São Paulo state, Brazil.

Cichla ocellaris is native to the Amazon region. It is popularly known as tucunaré and is widely used for human consumption. It is difficult to breed in captivity due to its highly predatory habits, it is considered symbolic of sport fishing in Brazil. This study aimed to make a qualitative and quantitative survey of helminth parasites of C. ocellaris. Thirty specimens from the Jacaré-Pepira River, located in the municipality of Ibitinga, in the interior of the state of São Paulo, were studied. The river is located 13 km from the urban area and at an altitude of approximately 600 m. A total of four taxa of metazoan parasites were collected and identified in Cestoda, Digenea, Monogenea and Nematoda. The cestoid Proteocephalus macrophallus presented the highest prevalence (63.3%) and had the greatest abundance and intensity, being found only in the intestine and stomach. The parasites found showed a significant positive correlation between the total body length of the hosts and the prevalence, as did the weight. This is the first study of helminth parasites of this host conducted in the Jacaré-Pepira River and the first record of a new location for P. macrophallus.

INTERAÇÃO DE TARTARUGAS MARINHAS E A PESCA NO BRASIL: UMA REVISÃO DA LITERATURA

A pesca no Brasil é bastante diversificada, abrangendo comunidades pesqueiras artesanais distribuídas ao longo da costa, além de frotas industriais. Das sete espécies de tartarugas marinhas que ocorrem ao redor do mundo, cinco são encontradas no Brasil e todas interagem com a pesca. Esforços de pesquisa e conservação visando mitigar a captura incidental (bycatch) das tartarugas vem sendo realizados, sendo considerada uma linha de ação prioritária para a pesquisa, manejo e conservação. Com o objetivo de compreender de que maneira a pesquisa vem lidando com a questão da interação das tartarugas marinhas com a pesca no Brasil, no presente trabalho realizamos uma revisão da literatura visando identificar os avanços e as lacunas do conhecimento sobre a temática no país. Foi identificada uma literatura crescente desde os anos de 1960, com um aumento mais expressivo a partir dos anos 2000. Apesar do aumento das pesquisas, observamos um predomínio da literatura sobre a interação com a pesca industrial, em especial o espinhel pelágico, em detrimento de pescarias artesanais, a qual ainda carece de estudos, principalmente nas regiões norte e nordeste. Ainda, se faz necessário um melhor dimensionamento da mortalidade ocasionada pela captura na pesca e seu impacto nas populações, assim como na ampliação das estratégias de conservação.

Study of preparation, composition and moisture sorption isotherm of Amazon River shrimp meal

Amazon River shrimp plays an important role in artisanal fishing in Brazil's Northern region, is common to observe its disposal in commercial fishing over higher economic value fish (bycatch), which is source of environmental drawbacks. The Amazon River shrimp processing is important to extend and add value to a high nutritional product. The shrimp meal production is an alternative to the processing. This work presents a shrimp meal preparation, physicochemical composition, as well as its technological functional properties, sorption isotherm and sensory analysis of a mix of cassava flour (93 g/100 g) and shrimp meal (7 g/100 g). The results showed high content in protein (67.55 g/100 g), besides palmitic fatty acids - 16:0, 13.58 g/100 g; stearic - 18:0, 5.42 g/100 g; oleic - 18:1n-9 16.20 g/100 g and docosenoic - 22:1, 13.12 g/100 g of total fatty acid in the shrimp meal composition. An extruded product was obtained (7 g/100 g of shrimp meal/93 g/100 g of cassava flour) with 78% of acceptance in sensory analysis. The Amazon River shrimp meal is potentially nutritional and it can add up value to nutritionally poorer food.

Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears in rocky reefs of Southern Brazil

The intense exploitation of fishing resources has led the activity into a global crisis. However, fishing effort continues to increase despite the collapse of some of the main fish stocks (FAO, 2014). This increasing effort produces both direct and indirect impact on marine ecosystems (PAULY et al., 2002). Marine debris resulting from abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) (LAIST, 1995; MACFADYEN et al., 2009) is one type of indirect impact, responsible for harming marine fauna and for causing economic loss (DAYTON et al., 1995).ALDFG captures target and non-target fish species by a phenomenon known as ‘ghost fishing’, which means that the fishing gear continues to catch fish even though fishers are no longer controlling it (SMOLOWITZ, 1978). The term is associated with mortality and injuries inflicted on vertebrates and invertebrates caught by ALDFG (BREEN, 1987; BARREIROS; RAYKOV, 2014).At least one-third of the Brazilian coast consists of reef environments, with coral reefs concentrated on the northern/northeastern coast and rocky reefs on the southeastern/southern coast. These ecosystems are highly diverse, rich in natural resources and of great ecological, economic and social importance, with immense potential for hosting endemic species (FERREIRA et al., 2001; ROCHA, 2003). There are few studies on the impact of ghost fishing in Brazil, many of them reporting the existence of marine debris and fishing gear found in coastal areas (MACHADO; FILLMANN, 2010; MASCARENHAS et al., 2008; POSSATTO et al., 2011; VIEIRA et al., 2011; DANTAS et al

Illegal hunting and fishing in Brazil: a study based on data provided by environmental military police

Illegal hunting and fishing activities are of great relevance to conservation policies. Few studies with regional focus of the impacts of these activities in Brazil are available. The aim of this study was to characterize illegal hunting and fishing on a national level by collecting data from the environmental police. We analyzed reports prepared by 16 states, all of them which contained a variety of information about seized species, and showed a lack of standardization of data collection and presentation. Illegal fish seizures were predominantly of Amazonian species. Illegal hunting seizures showed the most uniform territorial distribution. Armadillos (Dasypodidae family), pacas (Cuniculus paca), and capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) were the most frequently seized species, and numerous seizures of Brazilian guinea pig (Cavia aperea) were reported in northeastern Brazil. The reports provided by environmental military police have great informative power for conservation policies, but they must be standardized among states to improve the quality of data provided and analysis.

The effect of stocking density on the transport of pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Crustacea: Decapoda), as live bait for sport fishing in Brazil

The capture of juvenile shrimp as live bait for sport fishing has intensified, as has the trade of shrimp in different locations. The transport of shrimp to regions, other than those in which they are captured, is often poorly performed due to the lack of information regarding effective transport, resulting in high mortality of the transported animals. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum stocking density for the transport of juvenile Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (weight: 5.53 ± 1.20 g) and to evaluate the effect of the addition of hydrated lime in the transport water. Four stocking densities were tested for transport (1, 2, 3 and 4 ind L -1 ). Following the analysis of the results obtained in the density experiment, the addition of hydrated lime (0.15 g L -1 ) in the transport water was also tested. Water quality and the final survival were negatively correlated with increasing stocking density. The results of this study demonstrated that the highest density that can be used to avoid mortality is 3 ind L -1 for a maximum period of 10 h. The use of hydrated lime in the

Overview of Inland Recreational Fisheries in Brazil

ABSTRACTThis article presents a general overview of recreational fisheries in Brazil, with emphasis on inland fisheries; reports their current needs; and provides directions for future work considering that there is an apparent increase in recreational fishing in emerging economies around the globe. Even though there is no nationwide survey to identify the profile of all Brazilian recreational fishers, some insights can be obtained from competitive fishing events and from the questionnaire printed on the back of fishing licenses. The number of fishing licenses issued in 2010 was approximately 220,000, representing an increase of 220% compared to 2000. Some estimates suggest that the number of recreational fishers in Brazil may be around 10 million. Information on fishing expenses, catch‐and‐release activities, fishing guides, lodging, fishing areas, target species, management control, and fishing clubs and associations is presented. Data for basic estimates such as total number of recreational fishers, total catch and species composition, and total economic value are unavailable, but the results presented here are nevertheless essential for a long‐term planning of the development of recreational fishing in Brazil. Other requirements are presented and suggestions are made toward improved management of recreational fisheries in Brazil and other emerging economies.

Non-native fish in aquaculture and sport fishing in Brazil: economic benefits versus risks to fish diversity in the upper River Paraná Basin

Brazil has a highly diverse freshwater fish fauna and their freshwaters provide valuable provisioning ecosystem services in aquaculture and sport angling, especially in the developed regions in the south. Non-native fish now comprise a substantial proportion of the total aquaculture production and value, contributing at least $US 250 million in 2008 (63% of the total value of freshwater fish aquaculture) according to the Fish and Agriculture Organisation. Much of this aquaculture activity is centred in Central and Southern Brazil, such as impounded sections of the upper River Parana. The non-native fishes used tend to feed at relatively low trophic levels, with the most prominently species being Cyprinus carpio and Oreochromis niloticus. Ecological risk assessment suggests these species are potentially highly invasive and deleterious to the native fish diversity of invaded water bodies. Fishes introduced for the creation of sport fisheries tend feed higher trophic levels through piscivory, such as the peacock basses (Cichla species) from Amazonia. Their introductions have generally resulted in establishment and invasion, which tends to be followed by significant and rapid declines in native fish diversity as a consequence of increased predation pressure. Thus, whilst non-native fish in the upper Parana River support provisioning ecosystem services of substantial economic value, the principal species used represent high risks to fish diversity and conservation. It is recommended local management should concentrate on reducing these risks through use of more appropriate species in these ecosystem services, with these decisions derived using risk assessment and precautionary principles.

Molecular differentiation of species of the genus Zungaro (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) from the Amazon and Paraná-Paraguay River basins in Brazil

Fish species of the Zungaro genus (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) are amongst the largest migratory fish in Latin America and have considerable economic importance for commercial fishing in Brazil. However, natural populations of this large catfish are experiencing a severe decline. There are significant taxonomical inconsistencies for this fish. Two geographically separated species of the fish were initially described, one endemic in the Amazon and another in the Paraná-Paraguay River basins. A taxonomic review had recently proposed that there is only one Zungaro species in Brazil, based on morphological data. We made a molecular study of Zungaro populations in an attempt to solve taxonomical inconsistencies and to analyze genetic diversity in natural populations of this genus. We analyzed two regions of the mitochondrial DNA (the control region and the ATPase 6 gene region) of individuals sampled from the Paraná-Paraguay River and Amazon River basins. Analyses based on p-distances and maximum likelihood phylogenetic models showed a genetic difference between populations corresponding to different species. Genetic differentiation between Zungaro populations was at the same level as that observed between other Siluriformes species, using the same DNA sequences. We conclude that Zungaro species of the Paraná-Paraguay River basin do not belong to the same species found in the Amazon basin. This finding has a significant implication for conservation of this fish, given that populations are disappearing at a high rate in the Paraná-Paraguay River basin, mainly due to impoundments.

Trophic analysis and fishing simulation of the biggest Amazonian catfish

Currently, it is unanimous the fact that the ecosystem approach gives important insights to support fisheries stock assessment and management and healthy sustain aquatic ecosystems. This work aims at the quantification of energy flows at varzea (Amazon floodplain) and the simulation of increase in the fishing effort regarding the biggest predators, the catfish, and decrease of flooded forest cover. It was used the Ecopath with Ecosim software to build BAGRES model, which could allow inferences on ecosystem stability. Results showed that: i) BAGRES model has high overhead (69.7%) and Production/Respiration rate very close to 1, showing that this floodplain system is sufficiently mature and capable to support disturbance; ii) Finn’s cycling index for BAGRES (14.6%) is high when compared to other worldwide system; iii) increasing the effort of the catch of three species of Brachyplatystoma (catfish) have positive effects on biomass and consequently catch and landing of their main preys; iv) in the simulation of deforestation of Floodplain Forest (with no natural regeneration), all species are prejudiced (no exception), including Brachyplatystoma groups that do not use flooded environment. Therefore, the indirect consequence of the deforestation is more intense over fish stocks than increasing fishing effort. The BAGRES model results have important implications for the current policy-making for inland fishing in Brazil, currently mostly based on “defeso” (fishing restriction season), suggesting the necessity of incorporate the impacts which drive the deforestation in Amazon Floodplain.

Temporal Stability in Fishing Spots: Conservation and Co-Management in Brazilian Artisanal Coastal Fisheries

The management of small-scale artisanal fisheries in Brazil should be a priority because of their importance as a source of food for internal markets and their location in sites with high biodiversity, such as the Atlantic Forest coast. Fishing spots, territories, and sea tenure have been widely studied within artisanal fisheries, and, in this study, a fishing spot of this type may be a defended area or an area that imposes rules for users, making the exclusion of outsiders feasible, or even a place in which fishing occurs with some exclusivity. This analysis takes into account the importance of fishing areas for the conservation of artisanal fishing in Brazil and the relative temporal stability of these areas. In particular, examples of the use of the marine space on the coast of Brazil in areas such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Bahia States are presented. Fishing spots used by artisanal fishers were marked using a Global Positioning System (GPS). An informal division of the marine space and high temporal stability, often in the range of 10-30 yr, in the use of the fishing spots were found. For some fishing areas, information published in the 1960s provided a relevant comparison for the current use of the fishing spots at sea. Such information is very helpful for the management of artisanal fishing in Brazil because tourism has increased in some areas, recreational fishers have been fishing in marine spots used by artisanal fishers, and industrial fishers are spread over a wide range of the marine space in these coastal waters. This stability in the use of marine space among artisanal fishers plus local rules support the case for local co-management of artisanal fisheries. Reserving areas for artisanal fishers and understanding the behavior of other users are essential aspects for the management and conservation of artisanal fishing in Brazil.