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| Author(s): |
Felipe Pereira de Almeida Cohen
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Doctoral Thesis |
| Press: | Jaboticabal. 2017-03-21. |
| Institution: | Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias. Jaboticabal |
| Defense date: | 2017-02-21 |
| Advisor: | Wagner Cotroni Valenti; Ricardo Jorge Guerra Calado |
| Abstract | |
The aim of this work was to study the trade, the production and the commercialization of seahorses focusing on meeting world demand in a more sustainable way and on the conservation of these animals. Thus, this thesis was divided in five articles: (1) shows an overview of the seahorse research in the 21st century. It was observed that the key research fields necessary to support government decisions on addressing issues affecting the production, trade and maintenance of wild seahorses populations, have not been properly studied. Five knowledge gaps were identified as priorities for improving scientific knowledge, considering both world demand and seahorse conservation. (2) Discusses commercialization and trade; Shows that there is little information on trade and that international regulations of seahorse trade have been ineffective to promote their conservation. (3) Shows the main opportunities and constraints to produce seahorses in mangrove estuary as an alternative for low-cost aquaculture. It was observed that this system has great potential; it can rely on the availability of local broodstock, water, space, natural food, labour, and provide additional income for local communities in a more sustainable way. Sudden environmental changes, predators, net obstruction, and escapees are the main constraints of this system. (4) Aims to optimize transport of live seahorses. It was reported that Hippocampus reidi could be transported in plastic bags containing 300 mL of water, salinity 15, with addition of small substrate, and filled with compressed air as a cheap and safe option for up to 48 hours in temperatures close to 21 °C. (5) Analyses the use of bacterial communities in the mucus of seahorses as a traceability tool to trace the origin of live specimens; it was showed that this method has potential, but still needs more research to be implemented. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 13/22260-4 - Cultivation of seahorse in cages as commercial alternative to coastal communities with low-income |
| Grantee: | Felipe Pereira de Almeida Cohen |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |