A ecologia humana analisa as relações entre populações humanas e os recursos naturais e pode gerar informações úteis para o manejo das atividades de pesca em áreas costeiras. Este estudo foi realizado nos anos de 2007 e 2008 em duas comunidades de pescadores do litoral sul do Brasil, localizadas nas praias da Guarda do Embaú (GE) e Pinheira (PP), no estado de Santa Catarina. Os principais objetivos deste estudo foram: analisar as estratégias de pesca e as interações entre diferentes grupos humanos nas atividades da pesca artesanal de subsistência; identificar as decisões e estratégias utilizadas pelos pescadores na pesca artesanal comercial e registrar o conhecimento ecológico local (CEL) dos pescadores de duas comunidades sobre os peixes, comparando-o com o conhecimento científico e comparando o CEL entre as comunidades. Na praia da GE foi registrado o número de pescadores e obtidas as seguintes variáveis da pesca através de entrevistas realizadas com estes pescadores: procedência, atividade econômica, petrechos e técnicas utilizadas, tempo gasto pescando e pontos de pesca utilizados, além da composição e biomassa de peixes capturados. Na época de migração de tainhas e paratis (Mugil platanus e M. curema), pescadores locais e ocasionais (de outras regiões) intensificaram a atividade da pesca, registrando um maior rendimento pesqueiro. As técnicas de pesca (espía e sarraio utilizadas com tarrafas e a vara de pesca) utilizadas pelos pescadores (n=163), apresentaram diferenças quanto à produtividade e seletividade. A espía foi a técnica mais produtiva. O sarraio e a espía foram técnicas mais seletivas, quando comparadas à vara de pesca. Foi evidenciada a partilha de nicho entre os pescadores locais e ocasionais quanto ao uso do espaço de pesca e das estratégias de captura utilizadas. Foram observados indícios de regras de uso do espaço de pesca: o respeito dos pescadores ocasionais sobre o ponto de pesca utilizado apenas pelos pescadores locais, além de um comportamento territorial dos pescadores locais que defenderam o ponto de pesca através de sanções sociais (intimidação). Foram registrados os fatores sócio-ecológicos que favorecem planos de co-manejo pesqueiro, como a presença da associação de pescadores dentre outros. A pesca na praia da Pinheira foi analisada através do modelo de forrageio ótimo a partir de um “lugar central” (ponto de saída das embarcações de pesca), que prevê que os pescadores procurarão maximizar os ganhos (biomassa de peixe capturada) em pontos de pesca mais distantes intensificando o esforço de captura. Foram registrados os seguintes dados dos desembarques pesqueiros (n=285): técnicas e áreas de pesca, tempo de viagem até as áreas de pesca (custos), tempo de permanência nas áreas de pesca (esforço) e espécies capturadas (benefícios). O comportamento dos pescadores não seguiu as premissas do modelo de forrageio ótimo. Os pescadores das técnicas de pesca caceio e fundeio visitaram as áreas de pesca de maior probabilidade de boas capturas, independente da distância do “lugar central”. Para encontrar esses lugares os pescadores utilizaram técnicas de sondagem que indicaram as áreas de pesca de maior produtividade. Também foram realizadas entrevistas com pescadores das praias da GE (n=28) e PP (n=31), com mais de dez anos de experiência na atividade, com o objetivo de registrar o conhecimento ecológico local (CEL) e compará-lo com a literatura científica e com estudos biológicos. Foi registrado o CEL dos pescadores sobre a abundância, período de reprodução e itens alimentares ingeridos por 7 espécies de peixes na GE e 13 espécies na PP. Foram coletados peixes de cinco espécies junto aos pescadores da PP para análises dos aspectos reprodutivos e alimentares. Os pescadores das duas comunidades possuem um conhecimento detalhado sobre as espécies de peixes, que foi influenciado por fatores como a utilidade e a abundância dos peixes e esteve de acordo com a literatura científica, na maioria das vezes. Algumas informações obtidas pelo CEL não foram encontradas na literatura científica e outras não condizentes com a literatura serviram para formular hipóteses para futuras investigações. Foram registradas diferenças no CEL dos pescadores quanto à biologia das espécies de mugilídeos e da anchova (Pomatomus saltatrix), quando comparadas as duas comunidades de pesca. O reconhecimento das particularidades das diferentes comunidades de pescadores permite conduzir as estratégias de manejo dos recursos de uma forma participativa e mais eficiente, através de práticas de co-manejo pesqueiro. / Human ecology examines the relationships between human populations and natural resources and can generate useful information for management of fishing activities in coastal areas. This study was conducted in the years 2007 and 2008 in two fishing communities of southern Brazilian coast, located at Guarda do Embaú (GE) and Pinheira beaches (PP), state of Santa Catarina. The main objectives of this study were: analyze the strategies of fisheries and interactions between different groups in the activities of artisanal fisheries subsistence, identifying the decisions and strategies used by fishermen on the fishing trade and register the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers of two communities over the fish, comparing it with scientific knowledge and comparing the LEK between communities. On the beach GE was the number of registered fishers and the following variables of fishing through interviews with fishers: origin, economic activity, fishing gear and techniques, time spent fishing and fishing spots used in addition to the composition and biomass fishes. At the time of migration of mullets (Mugil platanus and M. curema), local fishers and fishers occasional (other regions) have intensified the activity of fishing, logging a higher yield fishery. The fishing techniques (espia and sarraio used with cast nets and fishing pole) used by fishers (n = 163) differed in yield and selectivity. The espia was the most productive technique. The sarraio and espia techniques were more selective when compared to the fishing pole. There was evidence for niche sharing between local fishers and occasional about the use of the area of fisheries and capture strategies used. Indication, rules of use of space fishing: respect for the occasional fishers on the fishing spot only used by local fishermen, and a territorial behavior of the local fishers who defended the fishing spot through social sanctions (intimidation). Were recorded the socio-ecological factors that promote co-management plans for fisheries, as the presence of the fishermen's association and others. Fishing on the beach Pinheira was analyzed using the model of optimal foraging from a "central place" (point of exit of fishing vessels), which provides that the fishers seek to maximize gains (biomass of fish caught) in points more distant fishing intensifying the fishing effort. Were recorded the following data of fishing landings (n = 285): techniques and fishing areas, travel time to the fishing areas (costs), time in the fishing areas (effort) and species caught (benefits). The behavior of the fishers did not follow the model assumptions of optimal foraging. The fishers of the fishing techniques caceio and fundeio, visited the fishing areas with the highest probability of good catches, regardless of distance from the "central place". To find these places the fishers used probing techniques indicated that the fishing areas of higher productivity. Were also conducted interviews with fishers from the beaches of GE (n = 28) and PP (n = 31), with over ten years experience in the activity, in order to register the local ecological knowledge (LEK) and compare it with the scientific literature and other biological studies. Were registered fishers LEK on the abundance, breeding period and food items eaten by 7 species of fish and 13 species at GE in the PP. Were collected five species of fish of the fishers at PP for analysis of the reproductive aspects and feeding. Fishers from both communities have a detailed knowledge about the species of fish, which was influenced by such factors as the usefulness and abundance of fish and was in accordance with the scientific literature, most of the time. Some information obtained from LEK was not found in the literature and others not consistent with the literature used to formulate hypotheses for future investigations. Differences in the KEL were fishermen on the biology of the species of mullets and bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), compared to the two fishing communities. The recognition of the particularities of different fishing communities allows driving the strategies for managing resources in a participatory manner and more efficiently, through practices of comanagement fisheries.

A ação antimicrobiana da nanopartícula de prata (AgNP) favorece seu uso em diversos produtos. Sua toxicidade está relacionada com o tamanho da nanopartícula, seu estado de agregação e a capacidade em gerar espécies reativas de oxigênio (EsRO). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos citogenotóxicos, como também o estresse oxidativo em eritrócitos de Trachinotus carolinus expostos à AgNP. Os peixes receberam, via injeção intraperitoneal, três diferentes doses de suspensão de AgNP, 3, 1.5 e 0.75 μgAgNP/gpeixe. Após 12, 24, 36, 72 e 108 horas o sangue foi coletado para realizar o ensaio cometa e o teste do micronúcleo (MN) outras anormalidades nucleares (ANE), como também o fígado para a atividade enzimática da catalase. A AgNP demonstrou ser citogenotóxica, como também se capaz de promover o estresse oxidativo em Trachinotus carolinus. Os resultados mostram que os danos ao DNA e a ocorrência de MN e ANE apresentaram relação dose-resposta dependente. A redução no dano ao DNA mostrou estar relacionada com o aumento da atividade da catalase. / Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are applied as antimicrobial agents to many manufactured products. Nanoparticles size, aggregation and its induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are associated with AgNP toxicity. This study was undertaken to examine the citogenotoxicity as well as oxidative stress of AgNP in Trachinotus carolinos erythrocytes. The fish received tree different doses of 3, 1.5 e 0.75 µgAgNP/gfish by intraperitoneal injection. Bloods samples were collected and at 12, 24, 36, 72 and 108 hours post-injection to perform the comet assay and the micronucleus test. Extract of liver were used to measure catalase activity. This study showed that AgNP is citogenotoxic to this species and is able to induce oxidative stress. The results showed that the DNA damage, micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities was dose dependent. The reduction of DNA damage exhibit a close relationship with catalase activity.

Le Grand Ecosystème Marin du Courant des Canaries est un des principaux systèmes mondiaux d’upwelling et assure une des plus importantes productions de pêche parmi les grands écosystèmes marins d’Afrique. Cet écosystème est soumis à des apports en éléments métalliques entraînant leur accumulation par les organismes marins et notamment les poissons. En termes de bioaccumulation, une forte variabilité est observée entre les espèces exploitées mais également entre individus d’une même espèce. Ce travail de thèse se propose de caractériser les paramètres majeurs qui déterminent l’accumulation des métaux par les poissons marins, en prenant pour cas d’étude l’écosystème du courant des Canaries. Deux approches ont été adoptées, l’une portant sur les particularités physiologiques et l’autre sur les mécanismes écologiques régissant la bioaccumulation. A un premier niveau d’intégration, les caractéristiques physiologiques spécifiques telles que l’efficacité d’assimilation, les concentrations en métallothionéines et le mode de séquestration des métaux agissent sur la bioaccumulation. Ensuite, à un second niveau, la nature des proies joue un rôle crucial sur l’exposition aux métaux du fait de la dominance de la voie de transfert trophique chez les poissons marins. A un dernier niveau d’intégration, l’habitat représente un paramètre déterminant, principalement en influant sur les niveaux de contamination des proies soumis au cycle des métaux dans l’environnement marin. Cette thèse a présenté une approche innovante, en proposant une étude intégrée de la cellule à l’écosystème en passant par l’individu, dédiée à la compréhension d’un mécanisme impliquant des répercutions tant sur la préservation des ressources marines que sur la santé des consommateurs. / The Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem in West Africa is one of the most productive upwelling ecosystems. It is subjected to anthropogenic inputs leading to metal accumulation by marine fish species, which show a great variability in terms of metal concentrations. This PhD work aims to characterize the major parameters determining metal accumulation by marine fish, based on the case study of the Canary current. Two main approaches were developed concerning physiological and ecological features. At a first integration level, physiological characteristics such as assimilation efficiency, metallothionein concentrations and subcellular metal partitioning influence bioaccumulation. At a second level, prey composition plays a key role due to the dominance of metal accumulation through dietary intakes in marine fish. Finally, habitat drives metal exposure to fish due to the biogeochemical cycle of the metal elements.This study proposed an innovating approach, combining analyses from the cellular level to the ecosystem one, including the individual level, and aiming for a thorough comprehension of a mechanism implying consequences on marine resource conservation and human safety.

The gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) require n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for optimal growth and health. Due to the rapid growth of global aquaculture the quantity of marine oils used in aquafeeds has been limited, yet the overall quantity of oil in an aquafeed has increased by the addition of vegetable oil (VO) to supply dietary energy. For aquaculture to continue to grow more fish must be produced with less marine ingredients, yet EPA and DHA must be maintained at levels above fish requirements. This project set out to re-evaluate the requirement for EPA and DHA in gilthead seabream and European seabass. Two dose-response studies were designed and executed where juvenile seabream and seabass were fed one of six levels of EPA+DHA (0.2 – 3.2 % as fed). Biometric data were collected and analysed to determine new requirement estimates for EPA+DHA for fish of two weight ranges (24 – 80 g and 80 – 200 g). The effects of the dietary LC-PUFA gradient on lipid composition and metabolism were also considered.

<p>This thesis presents models applicable for aquatic ecosystems. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) form an important part of the thesis. The dynamic mass balance models focus on nutrient fluxes, biotic/abiotic interactions and operate on different temporal and spatial scales (site, local, regional and international). The relevance and role of scale in mass balance modelling is a focal point of the thesis.</p><p>A mesocosm experiment was used to construct a model to estimate the nutrient load of phosphorus and nitrogen from net cage fish farming (i.e., the site scale). The model was used to estimate what feeding conditions that are required for a sustainable aquaculture scenario, i.e., a zero nutrient load situation (a linkage between the site scale and the regional scale). </p><p>A dynamic model was constructed for suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sedimentation in coastal areas (i.e., the local scale) with different morphometric characteristics and distances to the Sea. The results demonstrate that the conditions in the Sea (the regional and international scale) are of fundamental importance, also for the most enclosed coastal areas.</p><p>A foodweb model for lakes was transformed and recalibrated for Baltic Sea conditions (i.e., the international scale). The model also includes a mass balance model for phosphorus and accounts for key environmental factors that regulate the presuppositions for production and biomasses of key functional groups of organisms. The potential use of the new model for setting fish quotas of cod was examined.</p><p>For the intermittent (i.e., regional) scale, topographically complex areas can be difficult to define and model. Therefore, an attempt was made to construct a waterscape subbasin identification program (WASUBI). The method was tested for the Finnish Archipelago Sea and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. A comparison to results from a semi-random delineation method showed that more enclosed basins was created with the WASUBI method.</p>

This thesis presents models applicable for aquatic ecosystems. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) form an important part of the thesis. The dynamic mass balance models focus on nutrient fluxes, biotic/abiotic interactions and operate on different temporal and spatial scales (site, local, regional and international). The relevance and role of scale in mass balance modelling is a focal point of the thesis. A mesocosm experiment was used to construct a model to estimate the nutrient load of phosphorus and nitrogen from net cage fish farming (i.e., the site scale). The model was used to estimate what feeding conditions that are required for a sustainable aquaculture scenario, i.e., a zero nutrient load situation (a linkage between the site scale and the regional scale). A dynamic model was constructed for suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sedimentation in coastal areas (i.e., the local scale) with different morphometric characteristics and distances to the Sea. The results demonstrate that the conditions in the Sea (the regional and international scale) are of fundamental importance, also for the most enclosed coastal areas. A foodweb model for lakes was transformed and recalibrated for Baltic Sea conditions (i.e., the international scale). The model also includes a mass balance model for phosphorus and accounts for key environmental factors that regulate the presuppositions for production and biomasses of key functional groups of organisms. The potential use of the new model for setting fish quotas of cod was examined. For the intermittent (i.e., regional) scale, topographically complex areas can be difficult to define and model. Therefore, an attempt was made to construct a waterscape subbasin identification program (WASUBI). The method was tested for the Finnish Archipelago Sea and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. A comparison to results from a semi-random delineation method showed that more enclosed basins was created with the WASUBI method.

The main aim of the study is to assess the productivity and supply chain of aquaculture projects in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The research adopted the use of quantitative method; and collected data and information from the five regions that make up the province. Both primary and secondary data were collected. The study used correlation analyses to determine the perfect fit or negative fit of some variables to supply chain as well as the consumers‟ reactions to the questionnaires. Gross margin analysis as well as gross profit margin ratio was used to determine the profitability of aquaculture production in the province. Findings of the study revealed underutilization of production capacities of the established fish farms. The fish farmers in the study are currently using 36% of the capacities of the established aquaculture projects in the study area. The profit margin was in excess of 40% in all the projects surveyed. The study further revealed lack of proper, effective and efficient supply chain for aquaculture projects which adversely affect aquaculture growth and sustainability in Gauteng Province / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic, non-biodegradable, and lipophilic chemical compounds of industrial origin. In Brazil, PCBs are still used in old electrical transformers and capacitors which were installed up to 1981 when their use and commercialization were banned. However, the permission to use devices with PCBs installed up to the early 80s was maintained up to the moment that their dielectric fluids or the entire device be fully replaced for products free of PCBs. Currently, PCBs are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) because they pollute and accumulate in the environment affecting all organisms in the food chain. The main form of human intake is the ingestion of contaminated food, especially food of animal origin. Fish are the main means of transmission of PCB congeners to the human body. The concern about PCBs is centered on their toxicological potential, especially as inducers of cancer. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible contamination by residues of 11 individual PCB congeners in fresh marine fish from the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The methodology for the analysis of PCBs in fish included sampling on the coast of RS, the extraction and purification of these compounds by the use of acidified silica gel and solvents, as well as their identification and quantification using gas chromatography coupled to a micro electron capture detector (GC - μECD). Results were confirmed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC - MS). PCBs investigated were not found in all samples. PCBs 28 and 52 were not detected. PCBs 153, 138, 180, 118, 101, 77, and 81 were found in 98.33 %, 95%, 93.33%, 60%, 33.33 %, and 31.67 % of the samples, respectively. PCBs 126 and 169 were found at lower frequencies, 18.33% and 15%, respectively. The individual congeners found in higher mean concentrations were PCB 153 (184.36 ng/g fat), followed by PCB 138 (159.27 ng/g fat), PCB 118 (98.16 ng/g fat), PCB 180 (69.04 ng/g fat), PCB 101 (32.99 ng/g fat), and PCB 77 (12.95 ng/g fat). PCBs 81, 126 and 169 were found in lower concentrations (4.97 ng/g, 4.49 ng/g and 2.08 ng/g fat, respectively). Results confirm the contamination by PCBs of all marine species of consumption analyzed and can be used as indicators of environmental contamination by these compounds in the coast of RS. / Bifenilos policlorados (PCBs) são compostos químicos de origem industrial, tóxicos, não biodegradáveis, lipofílicos, e que foram produzidos a partir da década de 30 até os anos 70, quando foram proibidos. No Brasil, PCBs estão presentes, por exemplo, em transformadores e capacitores elétricos instalados até 1981, quando a comercialização e utilização desses compostos foram proibidas no país. Porém, manteve-se a permissão de utilização desses equipamentos contendo PCBs e instalados até o início dos anos 80, até que ocorra a substituição integral dos mesmos ou a troca de seus respectivos fluidos dielétricos por produtos isentos de PCBs. Atualmente, PCBs são classificados como poluentes orgânicos persistentes (POPs), pois poluem e se acumulam no meio ambiente, influenciando todos os organismos da cadeia alimentar. A principal forma de contaminação humana é a ingestão de alimentos contaminados, principalmente alimentos de origem animal. Dentre esses, os pescados constituem-se no principal meio de veiculação de congêneres de PCBs até o organismo humano. A preocupação acerca dos PCBs está centrada no seu potencial toxicológico, principalmente como indutores de câncer. Diante disso, o objetivo desse trabalho foi investigar a possível contaminação, por resíduos de 11 congêneres individuais de PCBs, em pescados marinhos in natura do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A metodologia empregada para análise de PCBs nos pescados incluiu a coleta de amostras do litoral do RS, a extração e purificação desses compostos com a utilização de sílica gel acidificada, solventes e, finalmente, a identificação e quantificação dos mesmos utilizando-se cromatografia gasosa acoplada a um micro detector de captura de elétrons (GC-μECD). Os resultados obtidos foram confirmados por cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado à espectrometria de massas (GC-MS). Os PCBs investigados não foram encontrados em todas as amostras analisadas. Os PCBs 28 e 52 não foram detectados. O PCB 153 foi encontrado em 98,33% das amostras analisadas, seguido pelos PCBs 138 e 180 encontrados em 95% das amostras, pelo PCB 118 encontrado em 93,33% das amostras, pelo PCB 101 encontrado em 60% das amostras, pelo PCB 77 e PCB 81, encontrados em 33,33% e 31, 67% das amostras, respectivamente. Os PCBs 126 e 169 foram encontrados com menores freqüências, 18,33% e 15%, respectivamente. Os congêneres individuais encontrados em maiores concentrações médias foram o PCB 153 (184,36 ng/g de gordura), seguido pelo PCB 138 (159,27 ng/g de gordura), PCB 118 (98,16 ng/g de gordura), PCB 180 (69,04 ng/g de gordura), PCB 101 (32,99 ng/g de gordura) e PCB 77 (12,95 ng/g de gordura). Os PCBs 81, 126 e 169 foram encontrados nas menores concentrações (4,97 ng/g, 4,49 ng/g e 2,08 ng/g de gordura, respectivamente). Os resultados obtidos confirmam a contaminação por PCBs de todas as espécies marinhas de consumo analisadas e podem ser utilizados como indicativos da contaminação ambiental, por esses compostos, no litoral do RS.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:36:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MonicaRO_TESE.pdf: 9199361 bytes, checksum: c0ccdbb9830c327846e159e62e15732a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-07-03 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico e Tecnol?gico / The flyingfish, Hirundichthys affinis (G?nther, 1866) (Exocoetidae) and ballyhoo half beak, Hemiramphus brasiliensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiramphidae) are marine fish species of commercial value, which contribute to artisanal fishery production of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Besides the economic importance, these fish are important from an ecological point of view, being components in pelagic food chain, where they are the preferred prey of larger predators of high commercial value. This study aimed to determine the reproductive strategies of H. affinis and H. brasiliensis and the fishery production of H. affinis in the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. The results are presented in the form of six cientific articles and a review paper. The first article presents the morphometric measurements and meristic counts which confirmed the taxonomic status, population structure in length-weight and the gonad development of H. affinis through macroscopic observations of the ovaries and testes. Females of this species were bigger and heavier than males. The second article describes the reproductive tactics, such as, sex ratio, length at first sexual maturity, histological aspects of gonads, fecundity and spawning season, that indicate the reproductive strategy of H. affinis. The third article shows annual changes in the fishery production of H. affinis in Cai?ara do Norte, during the period of 1993 to 2010, emphasizing the relevance of this fish in total fishery production of Rio Grande do Norte, besides registering the fall in production in the years 2008 to 2010. The fourth article describes the population structure, with respect to the length and weight, the length-weight relationship, growth type and sex ratio of Hemiramphus brasiliensis. The fifth article describes the reproductive biology of H. brasiliensis, with details about sex ratio, length at first sexual maturity, fecundity, type of breeding and spawning season. The sixth article deals with the reproductive strategy of H. brasiliensis. The review paper presents the topic of age determination of tropical fish using analysis of otoliths. Both species use the coastal waters of Cai?ara do Norte for reproductive purposes. The flying fish, H. affinis migrates from the oceanic waters to the coastal waters to reproduce, coinciding with the rainy season. H. affinis presents total spawning and a seasonal reproductive strategy. However, H. brasiliensis lives and reproduces in the coastal waters displaying partial spawning and an equilibrium reproductive strategy / O peixe-voador, Hirundichthys affinis (G?nther, 1866) (Exocoetidae) e a agulha preta, Hemiramphus brasiliensis (Linnaeus,1758) (Hemiramphidae) s?o peixes marinhos de valor comercial, que contribuem para a produ??o pesqueira artesanal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Esses peixes s?o importantes na teia alimentar pel?gica, pois constituem as principais presas preferidas de predadores de alto valor comercial. Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar as estrat?gias reprodutivas de H. affinis e de H. brasiliensis e a produ??o pesqueira de H. affinis no litoral Norte do Rio Grande do Norte. Os resultados est?o apresentados sob a forma de seis artigos cient?ficos e um artigo de revis?o. O primeiro artigo aborda as medidas morfom?tricas e contagens mer?sticas que confirmaram a taxonomia da esp?cie, a estrutura da popula??o em peso-comprimento e o desenvolvimento das g?nadas de H. affinis, atrav?s de observa??es macrosc?picas dos ov?rios e test?culos. Foi verificado que as f?meas s?o maiores e mais pesados do que os machos. O segundo artigo descreve ?s t?ticas reprodutivas, tais como, propor??o sexual, comprimento da primeira matura??o sexual, aspectos histol?gicos das g?nadas, fecundidade e per?odo de desova, que indicam a estrat?gia reprodutiva de H. affinis. O terceiro artigo mostra a varia??o anual da produ??o de H. affinis em Cai?ara do Norte, durante o per?odo de 1993 a 2010, dando ?nfase a relev?ncia desse peixe na produ??o pesqueira no RN, incluindo o registro da queda na produ??o durante os anos de 2008 a 2010. O quarto artigo apresenta a estrutura populacional, no que tange ao comprimento e peso, a rela??o peso-comprimento, o tipo de crescimento e a propor??o sexual de Hemiramphus brasiliensis. O quinto artigo apresenta a biologia reprodutiva de H. brasiliensis, com detalhes sobre a propor??o sexual, o comprimento da primeira matura??o sexual, a fecundidade, o tipo e o per?odo de desova. O sexto artigo descreve a estrat?gia reprodutiva de H. brasiliensis. O artigo de revis?o aborda o tema de determina??o da idade dos peixes tropicais atrav?s de ot?litos. As duas esp?cies utilizam o litoral de Cai?ara do Norte para fins reprodutivos. H. affinis migra das ?guas oce?nicas para as ?guas costeiras, coincidindo com o per?odo chuvoso. H. affinis apresenta desova total e a estrat?gia reprodutiva do tipo sazonal. Enquanto, H. brasiliensis vive e reproduz nas ?guas costeiras apresentando desova parcelada e uma estrat?gia reprodutiva do tipo de equil?brio

Marine fish stocks are under serious threat of depletion due to increasing numbers of resource users with competing interests, resulting in degradation and the decline of fish catch. Using qualitative and quantitative techniques such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, household surveys and remote sensing and GIS, this study addresses: (1) the complex and inter-related nature of resource dependency, (2) the role of assets in determining survival strategies of households in artisanal fishing communities in Ponnani, India, (3) how asset degradation impacts resource-dependent households, (4) how households develop survival strategies, and (5) considers access to social, political, physical, human and financial assets. Information is organized using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) with modifications to suite the local complexities. Results show that households - engaged in diverse activities, including fishing, fish processing/marketing/culture and daily labour - evolved property rights of natural resources over generations. The Pathemari cargo business’s limited knowledge of fisheries compared to artisanal fishers, and the government led modernization resulted in resource degradation. Therefore, artisanal fishers living in coastal wards threatened by intense erosion, abandoned traditional occupations in pursuit of livelihood security. Results from image analysis and derived thematic maps indicate increased erosion of 0.35 sq km shoreline coinciding with government development initiatives. To improve livelihood options, the results indicate that 50% surveyed accessed political assets such as fishers’ cooperatives and only 20% accessed financial assets such as government sponsored schemes and loans. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions revealed many limiting factors of access, specifically marginalization and lack of financial assets: only 6% surveyed could raise enough money to migrate. With changes in technology, from harvesting to processing, gender roles are being radically altered. Women are losing jobs and income. Politically, the study revealed that local participation helped governing bodies prioritize on housing, roads, water and sanitation. Analysis of the information through the modified SLF suggests three strategies to enhance the asset base of coastal poor: strengthening grassroots organizations; transforming state relations; and developing new alternatives to conventional coastal development practice. Finally, the study suggests resource management policies to improve the households’ livelihood options and well-being.