Fishermen & Garoupas (Epinephelus marginatus): ecology, ethnology and food security on the Brazilian coast

Abstract

This project intends to continue and to amplify objectives from previous projects [FAPESP 2009/11154-3 and FAPESP 2006/50435-0]. It is necessary to understand better the reproduction of Epinephelus marginatus (grouper) an endangered species according to Red List of IUCN (http://www.iucnredlist.org/ ). Grouper is a species of high commercial demand often captured in small-scale artisanal fishing communities in the coast of Brazil. We will use ecological and ethnoecological methods (fisheries ecology) in order to obtain the data based on: semi-structured questionnaires and interviews, as well as macroscopic gonad analysis, among others. We will amplify this study including a study on the population genetics of grouper, with the collaboration of Dr. Priolli, on its larvae, with the collaboration of Dr. Glamuzina, and on its management and historical baselines , with the collaboration of Dr. Guidetti. Our inter-institutional collaborators, located in areas where data will be collected, are of fundamental importance in order to obtain the necessary data to subsidize the management of E. marginatus in the Brazilian coast. It is important to stress the importance of the management of grouper, a vulnerable species, to the food security of the inhabitants of the Atlantic Forest coast. This importance is associated to the current gastro-economic demands of grouper, which is related to its sustainability to food security. The collaboration of Prof. Dr. Cristianini intends to add value to the grouper. (AU)