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Fishers' knowledge and seahorse conservation in Brazil
Ierecê Ml Rosa1, Rômulo Rn Alves, Kallyne M Bonifácio
1Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, 58059-900 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. ierecerosa@yahoo.com.br
Brazilian fishers possess valuable knowledge on the longsnout seahorse (Hippocampus reidi), crucial for conservation. Integrating fisher insights can improve management strategies and protect seahorse populations and their income source.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Conservation Science
- Socioeconomics
Background:
- Seahorses are threatened marine fishes with significant socioeconomic value for fishing communities.
- Integrating conservationist and socioeconomic perspectives is vital for effective seahorse management.
- Local ecological knowledge from fishers is a critical, yet often overlooked, resource for conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document Brazilian fishers' knowledge of longsnout seahorse (Hippocampus reidi) biology and ecology.
- To explore collaborative approaches for seahorse conservation and management in Brazil.
- To assess fishers' perceptions and involve them in conservation efforts.
Main Methods:
- Field surveys utilizing questionnaires and interviews in Brazilian fishing villages.
- Data collection focused on fishers' understanding of seahorse reproduction, habitat, and mortality.
- Analysis of local ecological knowledge to inform management options.
Main Results:
- Fishers demonstrated willingness to collaborate with researchers on conservation.
- Most fishers recognized the importance of reproduction for seahorse population sustainability and expressed concern over declines.
- Fishers identified key microhabitats and linked pouch presence to reproduction, aiding potential management strategies.
Conclusions:
- Collaborative management integrating fisher knowledge can enhance seahorse conservation in Brazil.
- Understanding fishers' perceptions is key to developing effective, community-supported conservation plans.
- Recognizing fishers' ecological knowledge empowers local communities in protecting valuable marine resources.
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