Photo: acervo GEMARS

Accidental bycatch is the main problem facing franciscana conservation across its range of distribution. The project “Franciscana Conservation on the Northern Coast of Rio Grande do Sul: integrating research and fishing community knowledge” aims to generate up-to-date data on franciscana population size, preferred habitat and mortality rates along the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul (FMA III).

In addition, the project intends to use the harvested data to trace the dynamic of fishing activities and understand the socioeconomic characteristics of the communities involved. Work will also be done with fishermen and women to introduce measures to make the region’s fishing activities more sustainable.

Cooperating with GEMARS on the project are the State University of Rio Grande do Sul (UERGS), the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and the University of Vale do Rio Sinos.

The initiative is supported by the Franciscana Conservation Project, of which Funbio is financial manager.