Fishermen and seabirds: ethnobiology of a fishing community in southern Brazil

Abstract

Communities that depend upon fishing resources combine information about fish behavior with oceanographic features and ecological interactions. This knowledge is defined as traditional: a complex formed by historical and practical knowledge and beliefs, which evolve through adaptive processes and are transmitted over successive generations. On the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul State, in southern Brazil, a community lives near the margins of Rio Tramandaí and practices gillnet fishing. In southern Brazil, the interaction of fisheries with non-target species occurs when using all types of fishing gear and seabird bycatch has been reported. Seabirds interact directly with fisheries by following vessels in search of food. This work investigated fishermen’s knowledge about seabirds. We interviewed twelve local fishermen and used the speech analysis technique to examine written narratives. The fishermen identify seabird species, relate them to the environment and recognize their life cycles. Furthermore, they use knowledge about bird behavior to locate fishing resources and get oceanographic and meteorological data in order to improve navigation. We verified that the fishermen’s traditional knowledge about seabirds is one of the variables used for orientation in the marine environment and for effective fishing.

Keywords

• comunidade tradicional
• conhecimento tradicional
• conservação
• pesca