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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Fishers' knowledge indicates short-term temporal changes in the amount and composition of catches in the southwestern Atlantic

Full text
Author(s):
Lima, Evelyn G. ; Begossi, Alpina ; Hallwass, Gustavo ; Silvano, Renato A. M.
Total Authors: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: MARINE POLICY; v. 71, p. 111-120, SEP 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

The scarcity of data on fish catches difficult management of small-scale fisheries in developing countries. This study applies fishers' knowledge to investigate temporal changes in the amount (biomass) and composition (major ecological categories) of fishing resources exploited by small-scale coastal fisheries in the southeastern Brazilian coast. Four hypotheses were investigated: (1) The amount of fish caught reported by fishers would decrease over time. (2) Older fishers would report higher fish catches than younger fishers. (3) Recent interviews would mention large-sized predators less often. (4) Recent interviews would mention less high valued fishing resources. Interviews with 421 fishers in 36 communities in the southeastern Brazilian coast were analyzed, covering a time span of 14 years, from 1995 to 2009. The hypothesis 1 was confirmed, 3 was partially confirmed, while 2 and 4 were not confirmed. Fishers' age was unrelated to all variables. The results from fishers' interviews indicated the temporal trends of: (1) a decrease in the biomass of fish caught; (2) an increase in the occurrence of smaller fish and invertebrates in the catch; (3) an increase of high value fishing resources; and (4) maintenance of large predators. The first two indicators suggest excessive fishing, but the later indicators (3 and 4) suggest that the socioecological system of the southeastern Brazilian coast had not yet undergone major ecological shifts. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/11154-3 - Ecology of artisanal fishing in Paraty: optimal foraging and ethnoecology
Grantee:Alpina Begossi
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 12/16722-2 - Ecology and ethnoecology of Brazilian artisanal fisheries
Grantee:Alpina Begossi
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - Brazil