Ciências e Tecnologia | Comunicações em congressos, conferências, seminários/Communications in congresses, conferences, seminars
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Browsing Ciências e Tecnologia | Comunicações em congressos, conferências, seminários/Communications in congresses, conferences, seminars by Field of Science and Technology (FOS) "Ciências Naturais"
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- Considering traditional practices a study on the fishing and production of dried Sparisoma cretense in the Azores IslandsPublication . Brás, Márcia; Fraga, Ana; Seixas, SóniaThe practice of producing dried Sparisoma cretense (parrotfish), known locally as Veja seca, serves as a significant aspect of the maritime tradition in the Azores Islands. This study presents an interdisciplinary comprehensive analysis of the fishing and production techniques involved in Veja seca across the archipelago, while also characterizing the individuals engaged in this practice. Through structured surveys conducted on all nine islands (one hundred), this research meticulously documents the geographical distribution of Veja seca production and identifies the diverse fishing methods utilized, including shore fishing, boat fishing, and spearfishing, along with the optimal conditions for catch (bait, season, tide). Furthermore, it provides a detailed examination of the salting and drying processes, highlighting traditional methods of preservation and storage. By uncovering the sociocultural significance of Veja seca within Azorean communities this study elucidates its role in preserving local customs and sustaining cultural identity within coastal communities, which we believe to be an important contribute to be considered in local management process and fisheries management advice.
- Exploring the effects of crustacean fishing on cold-water coral and gorgonian ecosystems: conservation strategies for Carbon sequestrationPublication . Seixas, Sónia; Parrinha, Joaquim; Gomes, PedroCrustacean fishing has significant impacts on cold-water coral and gorgonian communities. These coldwater corals include Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) such as Dendrophyllia ramea and D. cornigera. Our observations indicate that fishing gear used to capture crustaceans like lobster, brown crab, and European crab along the western coast of Portugal is frequently abandoned or anchored in rocky areas. When these traps are brought aboard, they often retrieve cold-water corals and gorgonians attached to them. Sometimes, only small branches are collected, while entire structures may come to the surface on other occasions. Fishermen tend to break the corals into smaller pieces to avoid damaging their gear. These organisms play a crucial role in carbon fixation, yet they face significant destruction. The only effective way to mitigate this destruction is through educational initiatives aimed at fishermen, encouraging the return of salvaged corals and gorgonians to the sea whenever possible. Furthermore, any corals that cannot be returned should be taken ashore for proper restoration and rehabilitation, followed by subsequent reintroduction into their natural habitat. Implementing such measures is essential for minimising the impact on carbon sequestration dynamics and safeguarding the region's overall biodiversity.
- Potential for trophic transfer of microplastics in the smallspotted catshark’s food web: insights from Portuguese coastal ecosystemsPublication . Pica, Rodrigo; Fernandes, João; Seixas, Sónia; Martins, Marta; Greife, Anna; Müller, Carolin; Heel, LenaMicroplastics (MPs) are increasingly prevalent pollutants in marine environments, raising concerns about their potential to transfer across trophic levels. However, the extent and significance of such transfer remain uncertain. This study aimed to (i) characterise MPs in the digestive tracts (GITs) of three ecologically connected species — the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), pouting (Trisopterus luscus), and Henslow’s swimming crab (Polybius henslowii); and (ii) assess the potential for trophic transfer, as S. canicula is a known predator of the other two species. Thirty individuals from each species were collected by bottom-trawling off Figueira da Foz, Portugal. GITs were digested using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH), filtered, and analysed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A total of 88 MPs were identified, primarily in S. canicula (0.89 ± 1.19 MP.ind-1) and P. henslowii (0.54 ± 0.74 MP.ind-1). No MPs were found in T. luscus, possibly due to its juvenile stage or short retention time. Frequencies of occurrence were 57% for S. canicula and 43% for P. henslowii, representing the first record of MPs in the latter. The predominant MP types were fragments (51%) and fibres (47%), mainly green (32%), black (20%), and transparent (16%), with polyvinyl acetate (32%) and polyethene terephthalate (27%) identified as the main polymers. Significant differences in MP colour and polymer composition between species suggest distinct exposure routes. Although the presence of MPs in a known prey species of S. canicula suggests potential trophic transfer, further research is needed to confirm bioaccumulation. These findings provide a valuable baseline for understanding plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems and highlight the need for ongoing investigation into MP dynamics within marine food webs.