Abstract This study compares local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), Brazil, related to the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei). We conducted 330 ethnographic interviews in ten fishing communities in southern and southeastern Brazil between 2012 and 2018. Boolean or Classic Logic was used to identify 95 fishers who were able to recognize the franciscana dolphin accordingly to the taxonomic entity P. blainvillei: 23 in northern Espírito Santo state, one in southern Espírito Santo, 20 in northern Rio de Janeiro state, and 51 in northern Paraná state. Among these 95 fishers, 87.4% (n = 83) reported incidental captures in fishing nets. Among these, 52 (54.7%) did not know any solution to this problem. Interviews revealed that the fishers usually discard carcasses in the sea after fat and muscle tissue are removed so that they can be used as bait for shark fishing or as food. In Southeastern Brazil, fishers LEK related to their ability to identify franciscana dolphin varied from ‘no identification’ and ‘extremely low identification’ to ‘partial’ and ‘good identification,’ while in southern Brazil, fishers mainly presented a ‘good identification’ of the dolphins. We propose comanagement actions to conserve the franciscana dolphin in the SWAO.

Abstract In order to contribute to the management of small-scale trawling fishing of the Xiphopenaeus kroyeri shrimp, the aim of this study was to evaluate the local ecological knowledge (LEK) and the conservationist attitudes of artisanal fishers in four fishing communities along the central Brazilian coast. This study was based on 80 ethnographic interviews conducted in two communities are in the state of Bahia (Santa Cruz Cabrália and Barra de Caravelas) and two communities in the state of Espírito Santo (Barra Nova and Anchieta). The fishers present knowledge compliance with literature, except in aspects reproductive of the shrimp and are willing to exchange knowledge with researchers. The mean attitude index of the fishers was 0.65. Education activities should focus on the reproductive biology of shrimp to include fishing communities in the drafting of legislation about closed season period, as this issue is directly related to possible divergences between fishers do not adhere to them. The results suggest that, dialogue and knowledge exchange is necessary among the stakeholders, including the fishers, scientists and managers, who are responsible for the elaboration of management measures.

Botos-da-Amazônia (ou botos; Inia geoffrensis) são atualmente provisionados com alimentos para uso em atrações turísticas em cinco locais da Amazônia Brasileira. Apesar dos efeitos negativos associados com interações homem-golfinho já terem sido reportados, esta atividade foi recentemente regulamentada e licenciada no Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas, em Novo Airão, estado do Amazonas, Brasil. No presente trabalho apresentamos uma avaliação detalhada da percepção da comunidade local com relação aos possíveis impactos socioeconômicos deste turismo em Novo Airão. Em abril de 2011, 45 entrevistas foram realizadas com habitantes do município. Um pequeno segmento de Novo Airão possui a percepção de que são atualmente dependentes do turismo de alimentação artificial de botos. Apesar disso, os benefícios econômicos dessa atividade controversa aparentemente não são compartilhados entre a maior parte dos habitantes, e este turismo é percebido como gerando diversos efeitos negativos. Nós concluímos que se esta atividade fosse banida ou modificada para uma atividade turística menos impactante, esta ação provavelmente não iria afetar significativamente a vida da população em geral.

Botos (Inia geoffrensis) are currently provisioned for use in tourist attractions in five sites in the Brazilian Amazon. Despite the known negative effects associated with human-wild dolphin interactions, this activity has been regulated and licensed in the Anavilhanas National Park in Novo Airão, Amazonas State, Brazil. We present an updated evaluation of the perception of the local community concerning the possible socioeconomic impacts of this tourism in Novo Airão. In April 2011, 45 interviews were conducted with inhabitants. A small segment of Novo Airão perceives currently itself as being economically dependent on the botos feeding tourism. Despite that, the economic benefits of this controversial activity apparently are not shared among most inhabitants, and botos feeding tourism is perceived as generating diverse negative effects. We conclude that if the activity was banned or modified into a less impacting tourist activity, this action would probably not majorly affect the lives of the general population.