Os conhecimentos tradicional e científico do Saco do Arraial, estuário da Lagoa do Patos (RS)

Ethno-sciences study the logical behind the traditional population knowledge about environmental process. This case study aims at describing the ethno-knowledge of artisanal fishermen on the hydrodynamics of the estuary around Coreia community (Saco do Arraial), located in Dos Patos Lagoon, in southern Brazil, from an ethnooceangraphic perspective. For this purpose, mental maps, open-ended and in-depth semi-structured interviewing and participative research have been used. As well as scientific knowledge, rains and winds were had main hydrodynamic effort of Saco do Arraial, although astronomic influence in located hydrodynamic has been just a perception of traditional knowledge. Soon, these data have shown another important way to perceive the Patos Lagoon.

Effects of long-term chronic exposure to sun radiation in immunological system of commercial fishermen in Recife, Brazil

BACKGROUND: Among the various occupations which necessarily require long-term and chronic sun exposure is that of a fisherman. However, clinical experience in dermatology earned over several years of medical practice does not seem to confirm this hypothesis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical, histological and immunological effects of long-term and chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation in fishermen. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional and observational study characterized skin lesions, immunological markers and histological alterations in fishermen, as well as lymphocyte subpopulations compared to a control group. Mann-Whitney, Fisher`s and Wilcoxon statistical tests were used at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the exposed group and the group protected due to elastosis (p = 0.03), ectasia of dermal vessels (p = 0.012) and number of cells in the epidermal layers between cones (p = 0.029). Most common among fishermen were CD45RO, CD68 + and mastocytes in the skin (p = 0.040, p < 0.001, p = 0.001) and CD3CD8CD45RO in the blood (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The alterations suggest that long-term and chronic sun exposure promotes tolerance to ultraviolet radiation, which protects against immunosuppression.

Capture fishery in northern Todos os Santos Bay, tropical southwestern Atlantic, Brazil

Information on marine and estuarine capture fishery activity in northern Todos os Santos Bay, northeastern Brazil, based on daily data collected between September 2003 and June 2005 is presented. Small-scale artisanal fishery in this area includes the use of traditional vessels both nonmotorized and motorized for locomotion, being carried out mainly by canoe or on foot, and involves many different kinds of gear, including gillnet, hook and line, seine nets, and traps. A total of 113 taxa were grouped into 77 resources, including 88 fish, 10 crustaceans, and 15 mollusks. Data on nominal catches of fish, crustaceans and mollusks are presented by month and location. A total of 345.2 tonnes of fishery resources were produced (285.4 tonnes of fish, 39.2 tonnes of fresh invertebrates, and 20.6 tonnes of processed invertebrates). Temporal variation in the fish catch was associated with the life cycle of the species or with the hydrographic conditions. The first-sale value of this catch amounted to around US$ 615,000.00, fishes representing 71.3% of it. A table of the average price of each fishery resource is presented. The results produced in this study may be considered a reference for future monitoring programs of fishery resources in the area.

Pescadores artesanais, surfistas e a natureza: reflexões a partir de um olhar da Educação Física

The purpose of this paper is to present results of research conducted with artisan fishermen and surfers in order to analyze the meaning of interactions between each one of these groups with Nature. Academic and field researches (direct observation and free interviews) were used to investigate nine fishermen (eight male, one female; 28-71 years; 10 years practice minimum) and six surfers (male; 23-41 years age, 1-29 years practice) in Sao Paulo's North Coast. The body and the way as it interacts with Nature, in the daily life of these groups, points out to subjects with little exposure in the Physical Education field.

Estrutura populacional do camarão-branco Litopenaeus schmitti nas regiões estuarina e marinha da baixada santista, São Paulo, Brasil

The white-shrimp Litopenaeus schmitti distributes in West Atlantic Ocean, occurring along all Brazilian cost. Population structure in the Baixada Santista region was identified from samples obtained from artisanal and industrial fishery between June of 2005 and May of 2006. A total of 2.912 specimens were collected, being 2.138 females (1.008 in the estuary and 1.130 in the marine region) and 774 males ( 334 in the estuary and 440 in the marine region). Environmental parameters were annotated together the sampling, allowing to identify that water temperature influences directly the catches. Catches variations, length composition of samples by sex and gonadal maturation of females allowed to identify that: (i) estuary is used as a nursery area by individuals with small lengths, most young; (ii) marine region is used by larger individuals ( adults) and the spawning period extend from June to February, mainly between November and January. It was verified that estuarine fishery ( artisanal) focuses immature and in development individuals, with small lengths and, the marine fishery ( industrial) focuses adults during the whole year and, only in the summer, youngling from spawn. The length of first gonadal maturation of females was estimated in 15,8mm. These results and diagnoses must be considered in the management of L. schmitti fishery in Baixada Santista region.

Elevated blood lead levels in a riverside population in the Brazilian Amazon

Lead (Pb) is recognized as one of the most toxic metals. Sources of Pb exposure have been widely documented in North America, and the removal of Pb additives from gasoline was reflected in a dramatic lowering of blood Pb concentration. In Latin America, the removal of Pb from gasoline resulted in decreased exposure, but Pb levels in many areas remain high due to occupational and environmental sources of exposure. While many of the Pb sources have been identified (mining, industries, battery recycling, lead-based paint, ceramics), new ones occasionally crop up. Here we report on blood Pb (B-Pb) levels in remote riverside communities of the Brazilian Amazon. Blood Pb (B-Pb) levels were determined in 448 persons from 12 villages of the Lower Tapajos River Basin, Par, Brazil. Socio-demographic and dietary information, as well as occupational, residential and medical history was collected using an interview-administered questionnaire. B-Pb, measured by ICP-MS, showed elevated concentrations. Mean B-Pb was 13.1 mu g/dL +/- 8.5, median B-Pb was 11.2 mu g/dL and ranged from 0.59 to 48.3 mu g/dL. Men had higher B-Pb compared to women (median: 15.3 mu g/dL vs 7.9 mu g/dL respectively). B-Pb increased with age for women, while it decreased for men. For both genders, B-Pb decreased with education. There were significant differences between villages. Exploratory analyses, using linear partition models, showed that for men B-Pb was lower among those who were involved in cattle-raising, and higher among those who hunted, farmed and fished. The distribution profile of B-Pb directed us towards artisanal transformation of manioc to flour (farinha), which requires heating in a large metal pan, with stirring primarily done by young men. In the village with the highest B-Pb, analysis of Pb concentrations (dry weight) of manioc (prior to transformation) and farinha (following transformation) from 6 houses showed a tenfold increase in Pb concentration (mean: 0.017 +/- 0.016 to 0.19 +/- 0.10 mu g/g). This was confirmed in one of these villages where we sampled manioc paste Oust before roasting) and the roasted farinha (0.05 mu g/g vs 0.20 mu g/g). While there may be other sources (ammunition, sinkers for fishing nets), the high concentrations in farinha, a dietary staple, assuredly makes an important contribution. Further action needs to reduce Pb sources in this region. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.