The proposal to avoid fishing with gillnets near rocky shores has been promoted among fishermen. The National Center for Research and Conservation of Sea Turtles (Tamar), part of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), celebrated 26 years of operation in Ubatuba (SP).
To mark the occasion, a canoe race was held with the participation of partner fishermen in the conservation of sea turtles. Since its implementation in 1990, the project has returned more than 10,400 turtles accidentally captured in fishing back to the sea.
The 6th edition of the Friend Fisherman Canoe Race was held in conjunction with the Ubatuba Art and Culture Foundation (Fundart), which also organized the 4th Maria Comprida Canoe Race. The event took place at Praia do Cruzeiro and was supported by the Association of Friends and Rowers of the Caiçara Canoe (Aarcca), with the presence of over 200 people who also participated in the release of rehabilitated sea turtles.
After the race awards, participants and their families had lunch at Fundart. In addition to celebrating the anniversaries of Tamar and Ubatuba, the event marked the strengthening of the relationship with partner fishermen who have collaborated for many years in the conservation and research efforts for sea turtles in Ubatuba.
Conservation and Research
The coordinator of Tamar in Ubatuba, Berenice Gomes, recalled that the conservation and research work focused on the interaction of sea turtles with fishing in the region began 26 years ago with a survey that identified the various fishing modalities that incidentally capture turtles in the municipality.
Gradually, partnerships were established with artisanal fishermen in the municipality who voluntarily began to inform Tamar about turtle captures and the functioning of fishing activities.
With the information collected on dead turtles in gillnets, it was possible to identify and understand the operation of this fishery, which causes the highest mortality in the municipality, and to study ways to reduce turtle captures.
The proposal to avoid fishing with gillnets during the day near rocky shores has been promoted among fishermen and has been well received by them, proving to be an effective practice to reduce turtle mortality without harming fishing activities.
Environmental Education
More than 2 million visitors, including local residents, students, and tourists, have had the opportunity to closely observe sea turtles and learn about the biology of the species, the human activities that threaten them, and how to help protect them.
Over 2,000 university students, including those studying biology, oceanography, veterinary medicine, and other natural sciences, from all states and other countries, have had their first internship opportunity at Tamar Ubatuba, taking their first steps in their professional careers focused on wildlife and environmental protection.
Source: ICMBio