A biometric analysis of bivalves collected by women gatherers in Acupe Mangrove, Santo Amaro, Bahia: an ethnoconservationist approach

Abstract

Mangroves are very important in the flood areas of the tropical zones and constitute one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. Besides playing important ecological functions, this ecosystem represents the main source of income and subsistence for many traditional fisheries communities, such as the inhabitants of Acupe (Santo Amaro, BA). Based on the structured interviews with women shellfish gathers of the district of Acupe, the biggest individuals are selected for capture. Some samples containing “ostra’s” (Crassostrea rhizophorae) and “bebe-fumo’s” (Anomalocardia brasiliana) shells of different sizes were presented to these people during the interviews, so that the sizes collected could be indicated, as well as the motivations that led them to select bigger animals. All the interviewees collected A. brasiliana that were 20 mm of length, which correlats to when the species start to reproduce. The ecological and economic motivations related to the election of “bebe-fumo” (37.3%) were similar. According to the results, the gathering of “ostra” in sexually immature sizes occurs, however in a lower proportin. Most of the women prefer to collect individuals of C. rhizophorae greater than 50 mm. A slightly higher percentage of people (38%) selected bigger individuals for economic reasons. The results suggest that there is a conservationist practice in the gathering of “ostra” and “bebe-fumo” in the community of Acupe because the young individuals are not collected by the gathers. This allows the reproduction of the species and the renewal of the natural local resources.