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The fishery of Red grouper, Epinephelus morio, is one of the most commercially important in Yucatan, Mexico. However, catch trends declined from more than 14,000 t in 1970 to less than 6500 t in 2019. Consequently, the fishery authority (CONAPESCA) declared this fishery overexploited. Stakeholders may play a fundamental role regulating catch trends of Red grouper adopting responsible fishing and consumption. This work aimed to evaluate perceptions of stakeholders (fishers and fish consumers) on consumption, fishing status, and conservation of Red grouper in Yucatan using interviews and web-based questionnaires. Results revealed stakeholders regularly consume Red grouper, with fishing and consumption influenced by economic, social, and cultural factors. Stakeholders were aware of the fishery management in place, such as a seasonal, fishing ban and the minimum catch size, established by the federal government for Red grouper. Differences emerged regarding perception on fishery management between fishers and fish consumers. All stakeholders showed a willingness to follow regulations and responsible consumption during the ban, and proposed alternatives for protection through enhancing fishery regulatory measures, updating the ban and establishing spatial restrictions, such as zones for fishery protection (no-take zones). Understanding stakeholder perceptions is utmost because identifying this knowledge could provide a clearer scenario and more focused fishery management approaches for managers to promote the recovery of the Red grouper fishery. We recommend implementing a precautionary management scheme based on a combination of a management strategic evaluation and a renovated fishery strategy, along with other community-based approaches, for the Red grouper fishery in Yucatan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine wildlife and seascape components of reef environments are part of peoples' senses and perceptions of nature and and ecosystem services. While people worldwide perceive and value reef components differently, such aesthetics evaluations often overlook marginal reefs, limiting our comprehensive understanding of their cultural significance. We interviewed 320 different users (e.g., recreational divers, researchers, recreational and commercial fishers, and beach tourists) using an online questionnaire with embedded pictures of 82 fish species and 65 seascapes. To assess people's perception about reefs, we related the aesthetic value (i.e., the preference rate) of each picture to body size, body shape and colour for bony and cartilaginous fish, and to the presence of predators, fish schools, benthic organisms, reef patches and area for the underwater and out-of-the-water seascape. We then created an index composed by site-level species aesthetic values, species relative abundances, under and out-of-water aesthetics and measuredthe overall aesthetic value of nine reef sites along the Brazilian province. The different users attributed similar aesthetic values to fish species, under and out-of-the-water components, yet preferences differed among them. Divers preferred large parrotfishes, while tourists preferred coloured fish. The most valued fish traits were the body shape of manta rays and colorful bony species. Out-of-the-water seascapes with emerging reef patches had the highest aesthetic values. When combining the different aesthetic value components in the index, we found that marginal biogenic reefs in Northeastern Brazil had the highest aesthetic value among the evaluated sites. These reefs hold immense value for national tourism, significantly contributing to the revenue of these states. Also, they harbour threatened species, which possess both high aesthetic value and great ecological importance. Therefore, incorporating aesthetic value in conservation initiatives has the potential to improve our ability to maintain and develop cultural reef services. [Display omitted] • Aesthetic value depicts people perception about cultural services. • Divers, fishers, researchers and tourists had similar aesthetic preferences. • Body shape and colour were related to the most valued cartilaginous and bony fishes. • Predators, fish schools and exposed reefs were the most valued seascape components. • Biogenic reefs in the Northeast Brazil exhibited the highest aesthetic values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Here, we clarify the events described on a recent paper by Soares & Lucas in Marine Policy 93 (2018) that resulted in the establishment of large marine protected areas (MPAs) in Brazil. We describe crucial aspects of the planning process that were not addressed by the authors, particularly: (i) top-down changes on the original design that left the most diverse, unique and vulnerable ecosystems poorly protected; (ii) the permission of fishing activities within no-take areas; and (iii) shortfalls in using these MPAs for quantifying progress towards the Aichi Target 11. The spatial configuration of MPAs was modified by the government in a typical top-down scenario that received neither public nor scientific input. We call for a ban on fishing activities around the islands and on mining activities within all MPAs. We emphasize the need for reconciling qualitative aspects of Aichi Target 11 when establishing new MPAs as a strategy for enhancing conservation outcomes. The establishment of these large MPAs should not divert attention from actions needed for the protection of priority sites based on scientific evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite marine fish being an important food resource for coastal communities, the amount of fish caught by small-scale fisheries is unsustainable at many locations. Fish consumers have a critical role in species conservation because they can choose responsibly and avoid consuming overexploited or endangered species. In this study, local human consumption patterns and local knowledge about groupers and sharks caught by small-scale local fisheries were investigated in a Brazilian coral reef complex. Fish consumers were interviewed in a fish market setting regarding their monthly fish consumption, knowledge of endangered species, and strategies they do to consume fish responsibly. Of the 126 local fish consumers, 94% and 76% reported to buying sharks and groupers, respectively, on a monthly basis. The main strategies they used to consume fish responsibly were 1) getting fishmonger's advice and 2) buying fish on reliable fish markets. Our findings are important to understanding fish consumption preferences, which can contribute to the implementation of educational initiatives aiming to raise consumers’ awareness regarding responsible consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the Aichi Target 11 called for at least 10% of the world's seas to be conserved through marine protected areas by 2020, there has been an increase in the creation of large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs). Despite advances made towards these area-based conservation targets, marine biodiversity continues declining globally, along with related decreases in ecosystem services provided to people. Thus, the challenge for the next decade is to improve the effectiveness of the already existing MPAs to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecological processes. Communication via mass media is a key strategy to advance marine conservation support from the public. Using media content analysis, we examined news on the implementation of LSMPAs in Brazil to understand message framing and to verify any mismatch between the content disclosed by mass media and the scientific community. We found that mass media coverage was mostly framed in an episodic way, with information focusing on specific isolated events (e.g., an increase in the percentage of MPA coverage). The media coverage did not address the gaps often raised by scientists in the design of the LSMPAs, thus mostly disclosing positive issues. Mass media can inform people whether to support or not to support conservation initiatives. Disclosing a broader picture of environmental issues is important not only to raise the public's level of awareness about the conservation of the marine environment but also for achieving global biodiversity goals, ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources and ultimately improve human well-being. • Content analysis was used to investigate news coverage about marine protected areas. • Media focused largely on marine protected areas coverage in Brazil and associated area targets. • Important scientific discussion related to conservation outcomes was generally ignored. • Mass media plays a vital role in gaining public support and improving marine conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding diver preferences and perceptions of environmental attributes can help inform dive tourism management. We interviewed 190 recreational divers and examined their preferences for marine life in the Abrolhos National Marine Park, eastern Brazil. We also assessed divers' perceptions of changes in fish abundance when they revisit the dive site. Marine life preferences changed according with the divers' experience level. Novice divers preferred encounters with megafauna, whereas experienced divers preferred to see cryptic species. Individual perceptions of decline in fish abundance were influenced by longer time interval between visits. Visitors elicited the end of fish feeding, and illegal fishing, as the main causes of decline. Strategies to limit decline in the quality of marine life attributes, such as zoning and visitation limits based on carrying capacity estimates should be also based in divers' preferences and perceptions. Therefore, understanding divers' motivations and preferences will help maximize visitors' enjoyment and guide the dive industry into a more sustainable mode in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dog snapper, Lutjanus jocu , is a commercially exploited fish throughout the Brazilian Province (BP) and has been facing overexploitation. However, there are no systematized data on the species to date, which hinders management strategies for mitigating this scenario. In this review, we gathered the existing literature information on L. jocu along the BP, focusing on distributional records, ecology, fisheries and conservation. A total of 253 records were attained in 212 studies, with the highest number found on the northeastern Brazilian coast. The species occurred in a multitude of habitats, such as estuaries, tidepools and reef systems, and was caught by a variety of fishing gear. We evidenced that ecological and fishery information on L. jocu is geographically biased in the BP, being prevalent on the northeastern coast and scarce or even absent in all other regions. To guide a L. jocu fisheries management in the BP, we propose a low-cost framework containing three major initiatives: i) participatory mapping of fishing and aggregation grounds, ii) slot size limit regulation backed by eco-labeling, and iii) citizen science-based monitoring. Efforts to establish dog snapper fisheries management and monitoring should be urgently implemented to avoid the collapse of the stock in the BP. • The dog snapper is a commercially exploited fish along the Brazilian Province (BP). • This review covered 253 records in 212 studies on the dog snapper in the BP. • The species occurred in a multitude of habitats and was caught by multiple fishing gears. • Ecological and fisheries data are prevalent in the northeast and scarce in all other regions. • A fisheries management framework is proposed to mitigate the overexploitation trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subtropical reefs have suffered from increasing threats and impacts mainly from anthropogenic activities. These reefs also have socioeconomic relevance being in many locations an important income source through recreational activities. This study aimed to assess the potentially damaging behaviors of scuba divers on benthic reefs organisms in the first year of a new Brazilian diving destination, the Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge. We also assessed diver satisfaction to verify the effects of management measures on diver experience. Management measures were implemented through a best practices program aiming to improve low-impact diver behavior. Scuba divers caused the lowest contact rate with the reef described in the literature, maintaining low rates of potentially damaging behaviors over the year. Overall, each diver made an average of 0.63 contacts with the reef and 0.06 with the reef biota per 45 min of dive. Most of the contacts were unintentional and occurred in the first 10 min of the dive. The overall satisfaction of divers was high in all seasons. However, regarding specific attributes, experienced divers were more sensitive to increased underwater supervision. Our results highlight the effectiveness of continued initiatives like best practices program to improve low-impact diver behavior. Visitation monitoring programs are essential to understand the behavior of scuba divers and how the restrictions may affect diver enjoyment in reef environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability of scuba diving tourism should be assessed not only in environmental terms, but also concerning the quality of the diving experiences. Through the application of semi-structured questionnaires, we assessed differences in the scuba diving experiences from three subtropical Brazilian marine protected areas (MPAs) with different contexts and management regimes. We found that MPAs of more restrictive categories attracted mostly divers motivated by their natural attributes. We also found that satisfaction levels were significantly lower in the no-take MPA, where public use planning is stricter. Although we could not replicate the MPAs' contexts, our findings highlight the importance of management strategy as well as the influence of MPA age and socio-ecological context on scuba diving experiences. In this regard, managers and dive operators are encouraged to assess user characteristics and the context in which the MPA finds itself to plan and develop sustainable tourism. Image 1 • Recreational divers were questioned about their experience in three Marine Protected Areas. • Diving experience quality was assessed from satisfaction and the impact attributes had on them. • More restrictive regulations did not represent better quality of scuba diving experiences. • User well-being should also be considered for adaptive tourism management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of management effectiveness is essential to measure how well marine protected areas (MPAs) are achieving their goals and objectives. Incorporating the view of multiple stakeholders is an important component of MPA planning and management as it may simultaneously help reduce conflicts and increase adherence to rules and compliance. However, the most assessments of MPA management effectiveness is undertaken solely based on managers' perceptions. Here, we compared the perceptions of management effectiveness among managers and the management council members of three Brazilian marine reserves. Council members include stakeholders from the public and private sectors with different backgrounds. Overall, the marine reserves were classified as having medium management effectiveness, with managers perceiving higher levels of effectiveness than the council members. The main differences were related to poor communication among managers and council members and the perception of lack of participation on management decisions by council members. Assessing different perspectives on management effectiveness gives a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. Communication between managers and stakeholders is essential to guarantee that management challenges are more equally recognized. We recommend that further evaluations consider the diversity of stakeholders involved in the management to get a more realistic assessment on management effectiveness. The gap between managers and stakeholders' views is an important indicator because it is related to the level of alignment between MPA goals and society expectations. • Management effectiveness among stakeholders was assessed in three marine reserves. • Managers and staff perceived better effectiveness than the other stakeholders. • Evaluations should also consider members different stakeholders for more balanced assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Santos & Brannstrom characterized fishers´ groups and discussed the inconsistency between the Cassurubá Extractive Reserve fishers’ livelihood and the fishery regulations, implemented through a fishery agreement in 2013. Here, we clarify topics where the authors have committed misinterpretations regarding: i) the number of participants in the development of the fishery agreement regulations, ii) losses arising from the need of exchanging drum nets; iii) loss of fishing area and other misconceptions related to the development and implementation of rules and its effects in the fisher's livelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing species conservation status and population trends is challenging especially on low and low-middle income countries mostly due to high costs. Therefore, long-term information about species gained through local ecological knowledge, can reveal threatening and overexploitation scenarios aiming to generate information for extinction risk reduction and conservation priority targets. The greenbeak parrotfish, Scarus trispinosus , is an endemic and endangered Brazilian species with records of local extinction along its distribution, however limited data on its fisheries is available. We investigated fisher's local ecological knowledge on S. trispinosus on the largest Brazilian coastal multiple-use marine protected area. We interviewed small-scale fishers regarding catches to verify temporal changes in abundance and body size. Additionally, we verified if S. trispinosus flight initiation distance, proxy of tolerance from fisher's approximation has changed over different fishers' generations. Our results revealed that the number of individuals decreased 64% over time from 1980s to 2010s with a constant decrease through time. The weight of the largest individual ever caught also decreased 67% over time. Flight initiation distance, when fishers firstly engaged on fishing activity, was smaller for more experienced fishers. Implementation of small-scale co-management strategies, together with creation and enforcement of no-take zones are essential to safeguard the remaining populations and allow the greenbeak parrotfish recovery. Our study demonstrated that local ecological knowledge on species population and behavioral changes can be used as an alternative and inexpensive approach for assessing impact on threatened species and could be applied on conservation strategies for several species and ecosystems worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]