Interactions between whale sharks, Rhincodon typus Smith, 1928 (Orectolobiformes, Rhincodontidae), and Brazilian fisheries: The need for effective conservation measures. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barbosa-Filho, Márcio Luiz Vargas; Tavares, Davi Castro; Siciliano, Salvatore; Moura, Jailson Fulgencio de; Costa-Neto, Eraldo Medeiros; Motta, Fabio dos Santos; Del Vechio Koike, Christine
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 73(2016)
• Page Start: 210
• Page End: 215
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Artisanal fisheries -- Endangered species -- Collaborative monitoring program; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2016.08.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: This study reports three interaction events between the whale shark ( Rhincodon typus ) and fisheries in Brazilian waters. Two events were described as incidental captures in a gillnet fishery on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, in southeastern Brazil. The last event took place at the Royal Charlotte Oceanic Bank (RCOB), in the southern region of Bahia State, where five fishermen filmed their interaction with a juvenile specimen. For one of the incidental captures, the fish was landed and consumed by locals, and for the other, the shark was released. In the RCOB, the fishermen touched the whale shark with their hands, wooden sticks and even rode on it. In addition, 74 interviews were conducted with fishermen from Bahia about sightings and possible interactions with R. typus . According to statements made by the fishermen, although not frequent, the conduct reported for the RCOB occasionally takes place in the region. Evaluating information of this nature is important to support government plans that regulate fishing activities in order to reduce incidental captures and the harassment of whale sharks. Encouraging the participation of fishermen in a collaborative monitoring program for R. typus may be a good way to better understand the threats to the species at a reduced cost, particularly for developing countries, such as Brazil. Highlights: We interviewed fishermen to assess interactions between fishery and whale sharks. Two sharks were reportedly found entangled in nets. Direct interaction such as swimming with a whale shark was documented. These interactions occasionally occur at a regional scale. Subsidizes to reduce the impacts to the species.