Local ecological knowledge of fishermen from the southeast and south of Brazil about the Toninha - Franciscana dolphin(Pontoporia blainvillei).
The Ecologia Humana do Oceano research group, based at the Federal University of Espirito Santo in southeastern Brazil, conducted a study with traditional fishers in the southwest Atlantic Ocean about the Toninha - Franciscana dolphin(Pontoporia blainvillei). The research team conducted interviews in ten fishing communities in southeastern and southern Brazil.
Most fishermen fishing in the range of the Franciscana dolphin have not been able to identify this species. The fishermen who have identified the Toninha explain that this dolphin is accidentally caught as bycatch in gill nets. Usually the carcasses are thrown overboard, but the fat and muscle can be used as bait for shark fishing and human consumption. These fishermen are not aware of any solutions to reduce the incidental catch of Franciscana dolphins.
The extent to which fishermen can identify and provide data on toninha depends on direct encounters with the animals. Consequently, local knowledge is influenced by the presence of the species in the fishing grounds, the type of gear used, and the characteristics of the habitat (protected areas as opposed to the open sea). These conditions facilitate or impede observation and contact with the toninha, whose physical and behavioral characteristics already sufficiently limit their observation in the environment.
Fishermen's knowledge of the Toninha was compared between the regions studied and the researchers found that fishermen in the south of the country were more aware of the species than fishermen in southeastern Brazil. The results of this study suggest that actions to raise awareness of the species are needed in the fishing communities studied, especially in the southeast of the country, where the toninha is less known.
When conditions were favorable for identifying the species, fishermen were able to determine its characteristics and provide information on interactions with fisheries. Local ecological knowledge thus proves to be a useful tool for collecting data on Franciscana dolphin populations that overlap with fishing areas in the western South Atlantic.
Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) has been shown to be invaluable for wildlife conservation, contributing to a holistic understanding of ecosystems, improving conservation planning and management, and promoting cultural preservation and empowerment of local communities. Integrating LEK with other scientific knowledge creates a more inclusive and effective approach to species conservation that ensures the long-term well-being of both wildlife and local communities. With this in mind, YAQU PACHA is increasing its involvement and participation in LEK projects.
Read also the publication as PDF: Local ecological knowledge of fishers from southern and southeastern Brazil about the franciscana dolphin Pontoporia blainvilleiStrategies for conservation
The study was funded by YAQU PACHA e.V..