GREENBACK PARROTFISH (SCARUS TRISPINOSUS) CONSERVATION ACTIONS IN THE MARINE PROTECTED AREAS...
Channel: Encontro Recifal Brasileiro
Date: 2020-07-01

GREENBACK PARROTFISH (SCARUS TRISPINOSUS) CONSERVATION ACTIONS IN THE MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPA COSTA DOS CORAIS)

Luis Guilherme França Côrtes da Silva; Antonio Vitor de Farias Pontes; Gislaine Vanessa de Lima; Pedro Henrique Cipresso Pereira

The Greenback Parrotfish (Scarus trispinosus) is one of the main reef maintenance groups in the world and is an endemic species of Brazilian coast. It ranges from the coast of Maranhão to Santa Catarina. Based on the species decline in various locations, it has entered the list of endangered species and it is estimated that the global population may have declined by less than 50% in the past 20 to 30 years, however, the situation could still be more drastic with possible scenarios of local extinction. This work aims to carry out research, environmental education and activities with the fishing community in the Environmental Protection area ‘Costa dos Corais’ (APACC). Within the scope of the research, intensive surveys were carried out with SCUBA diving, performing benthic. The experimental design has included 81 sites along the MPA and a total of 425 transects have been performed so far. Also, identification and mapping of priority for conservation areas within the APACC has been conducted in order to predict areas in which management should be used to ensure the survival of the species, such as breeding and feeding areas. Environmental education activities were also conducted with the fishing communities, schools and tourists, on the importance of Greenback Parrotfish on APACC reefs. A total of 145 interviews have been conducted with the fishing community demonstrating that both individuals’ number and weight reduced 64% and 67% respectively in the last decades. We conclude that it is extremely important to carry out habitat studies. Also, raising awareness of the population regarding the threat of extinction of the Greenback Parrotfish, in view of its socioeconomic importance and ecological protection in the reef ecosystem. A local fisheries management plan is also vital on the MPA Costa dos Corais to salvaguarding the populations of the Greenback Parrotfish in Brazil.