Conhecimento ecológico local sobre a espécie Trichechus manatus (peixe-boi marinho) por pescadores artesanais em comunidades do município de Icapuí, Ceará, Brasil

Abstract

The Antillean manatee, Trichechus manatus, belongs to Sirenia, an Order that has been on the planet for around 50 million years. Currently, the main threat faced by this species on the Brazilian coast is the reduction in the area of its nurseries, which are estuaries. This threat increases the stranding of newborns that get lost from their mothers and become orphans. In this context, the coast of Icapuí-CE can be considered an important locality for the study and conservation of this species. This is due to the regular presence of this animal and because it holds a relatively strong and large fishing community. The present work sought to characterize the knowledge profile of artisanal fishermen from Icapuí about T. manatus, drawing a relationship between this species and the fishing activities carried out in the region. This was done with the aim of assisting in conservation strategies for the species. In this sense, 48 semi- structured questionnaires were applied in three locatlocalities of Acapus: Retiro Grande, Redonda, and Picos, prioritizing professional artisanal fishermen who worked in each study location. The main fishing fleet is composed of sailing boats, the main fishing resource is lobster, and the most used fishing gear for capture is the manzuá/cangalha. About the ecological knowledge of artisanal fishermen in the communities studied, important information was collected about the behavior and sighting of these animals, as well as ecological relationships between manatees and the fishermen's fishing resources. The fishermen stated that the dynamics of monitoring manatees in the region is simple but is restricted when it comes to calves accompanied by their mothers. They stated that the best conditions for sighting these animals are rainy season, high tide and gentle wind. The animals do not approach fishing vessels, especially if they are powered by engines. It is rare to encounter these animals in threatening situations, such as being entangled in nets, being run over by a boat or stranded. Local fishermen have knowledge of measures that can be taken when spotting a manatee in a threatening situation. Most interviewees do not believe in the existence of ecological relationships between these mammals and the fishing resources used. It is suggested that fishermen actively participate in raising awareness about the conservation of Antillean manatees, creating conditions for a collaboration with the authorities responsible for protecting this species. Furthermore, it is recommended that environmental education actions be carried out with the fishing community.