Tubarões: “perigosos ou em perigo?” Uma análise da percepção pública

Abstract

Sharks, cartilaginous skeleton fish, are considered top predators in many marine communities. In the world, there are approximately 509 species of shark, and of these, at least 88 can be found in Brazil. However, despite the decline of global shark populations, they are mostly seen in a negative way by the public. This study focused on surveying the general public (18 years and older) for its opinions on sharks and their conservation. Approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), the descriptive research was conducted during the second half of 2017 in the cities of Recife-PE and Fortaleza-CE, with the participation of 64 people (32 in each city). Semi-structured interviews were carried out using a questionnaire of 20 questions related to bioecological aspects, conservation and general public view on sharks, and on incidents with humans. In addition to lacking general knowledge about sharks, the results displayed that the interviewees presented a negative image regarding these animals that is associated with sensationalist media, incidents with humans, and little knowledge about this group of fish. Thus, it is necessary to establish environmental education programs and take actions to inform people about the bioecological aspects and conservation of sharks, and to demystify the negative image associated with them in order to contribute to the charismatic image, and ultimately, the preservation of these animals.