Riverine fishers’ knowledge of extreme climatic events in the Brazilian Amazonia

Abstract

BackgroundClimate change is altering climate patterns, mainly increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme events with potentially serious impacts on natural resources and the people that use them. Adapting to such impacts will require the integration of scientific and local (folk) knowledge, especially the first-hand experiences and perceptions of resource users such as fishers. In this study, we identify how commercial riverine fishers in the Amazon remember extreme climatic events (flood and drought) and how they face the consequences of extreme events on fish availability.MethodsData were collected from the main Manaus fishery harbor between June and October of 2013. Semi-structured questionnaires and a historical timeline technique were used to gather data from artisanal commercial fishers. Fishers’ knowledge of extreme climate events was assessed by their “cultural consensus” for identification of event years and perceived impacts. Fishers’ responses were also compared to hydrological data to test their similarity.ResultsThere was a high level of cultural consensus among fishers about extreme events years. They were able to identify four consecutive unusual droughts, between 2009 and 2012. Elevated levels of fish mortality and decreases in the fishery were perceived as consequences of the drought events, as well as, a reduction in fish size, and disappearance of some species. Extreme flood events were associated with greater difficulties accessing fishing grounds.ConclusionsExtreme climatic events (floods and droughts) were remembered, and the recent increase in their intensity and frequency was also perceived. Moreover, extreme climate event (mainly droughts) impacts on fishery resources were also observed. Such information is potentially valuable for educational programs to further improve adaptation of local Amazonian fishing communities to future climate change, e.g. increasing local ecological knowledge using learning material based on their perception.

Ethnozoological knowledge of traditional fishing villages about the anadromous sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Minho river, Portugal

“…The average age of fishers was approximately 57 years old, following the same trend observed in an ethnobiological survey conducted in the Peniche fishing community in central Portugal (average of about 58 years old) [19, 20]. Minho riverine fishers showed a global trend observed in the profile of worldwide artisanal fishers where the level of education these individuals tends to be predominantly basic [45–47]. The fishing experience was about 38 years, which means that the interviewees have a long period of observation of the environment that surrounds them, as well as significant experience with the variations of sea lamprey fishing.…”

Erratum to: Riverine fishers’ knowledge of extreme climatic events in the Brazilian Amazonia

“…In the original publication [ 1 ] figure 4 and 5 are been switched and do not correspond to each other.…”

Fishers' knowledge on the ecology, impacts and benefits of the non-native peacock bass <i>Cichla kelberi</i> in a coastal river in southeastern Brazil

“…As part of Human Ecology, the Ethnobiology investigates the local or traditional ecological knowledge in order to understand how human populations perceive, classify and use the natural resources (Begossi and Garavello 1990;Berkes 1999;Porcher et al 2010). Ethnobiological studies can provide a range of information because they reflect the knowledge of human communities about the classification, biology, ecology and behavior of distinct groups of animals and plants (Camacho Guerreiro et al 2016;Mourão and Nordi 2002;Pinto et al 2017).…”

“…Among the several unfolds of Ethnobiology, the Etnoichthyology focuses on the knowledge, classification and use of fishes as a resource and includes aspects of fish conservation and cultural habits of people (Corneta 2008;Marques 1991;Morrill 1967;Silvano and Begossi 2002). Therefore, the perceptions of fisherfolk about the ecology and behavior of fishes may provide relevant information to guide the conservation and management of ecosystem and environments, including the potential effects of extreme climatic events on fisheries (Camacho Guerreiro et al 2016;Silvano et al 2008). In Brazil, the first ethnoicthyological study was published in the early 1990s (Begossi and Garavello, 1990).…”