Abstract (Introduction): Bycatch and discards are a socio-environmental concern that threatens the sustainability of marine life and fishing grounds. Approaches to this problem have focused on biological and/or ecological aspects. We considered it necessary to explore the problem from the social dimension and for this purpose we explored social representations. (Objective): The aim of this study is to explore the social representations of bycatch and discards in a group of businessmen and workers in the capture stage of the Argentine industrial fishing activity. We ask how they evaluate bycatch and fishing discards, what are their causes and if they observe possible solutions. (Methodology): Within the framework of a project of the Federal Fishing Council, we conducted focus groups with businessmen, business chambers, SOMU workers and captains of the industrial fishing activity. (Results): The results of the focus groups conducted in 2021 reveal three main causes of this problem. First, the lack of reliable data on actual discard levels raises concerns about sustainability and overfishing. Second, the low utilization of selectivity devices is attributed to their operational inefficiency and possible labour barriers. Finally, economic and organizational pressures, such as company profitability and workers’ salaries, justify the discard of non-target species, exacerbating the problem. (Conclusions): The work contributes to an understanding of the main reasons for bycatch and discards, which is essential to advance solutions. We understand that solutions are not simple and involve a sincere debate among stakeholders.

Resumen (Introducción): Las capturas incidentales y los descartes pesqueros son una preocupación socioambiental que amenaza la sostenibilidad de la vida marina y de los caladeros. Los abordajes a esta problemática estuvieron centrados en aspectos biológicos y ecológicos. Consideramos necesario explorar la problemática desde la dimensión social y para ello, exploramos las representaciones sociales. (Objetivo): El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar las representaciones sobre capturas incidentales y descartes pesqueros en un grupo de empresarios y trabajadores de la etapa de captura de la actividad pesquera industrial argentina, específicamente, cómo evalúan este problema, sus causas y posibles soluciones. (Metodología): En el marco de un proyecto del Consejo Federal Pesquero, se realizaron grupos focales con seis cámaras empresariales y personal jerárquico de empresas asociadas, así como trabajadores del SOMU y capitanes que operan en alta mar. (Resultados): Los resultados de los grupos focales realizados en 2021 revelaron tres principales causas de dicha problemática. Primero, la falta de datos confiables sobre los niveles reales de descarte genera preocupaciones sobre la sostenibilidad y la sobreexplotación. Segundo, la escasa utilización de dispositivos de selectividad se atribuye a su ineficacia operativa y a posibles barreras laborales. Finalmente, las presiones económicas y organizacionales, como la rentabilidad de las empresas y los salarios de los trabajadores, justifican el descarte, exacerbando el problema. (Conclusiones): El trabajo aporta a un entendimiento sobre las razones de la captura incidental y los descarte, esencial para avanzar en soluciones. Entendemos que las soluciones no son simples e implican un sincero debate entre actores.

ABSTRACT. Using satellite sensor data for studying sea surface temperature (SST) provides advantages over in situ information, such as obtaining data from large areas and remote access regions in short periods. However, differences between the SST values recorded in situ and those by satellite sensors are due to the intrinsic nature of both methods and meteorological factors. The present study aims to search the difference between SST values from in situ and satellite sensor data of 1×1 km resolution (type L4) from the Group of High-Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (GHRSST) for an annual cycle in a socio-ecological critical area known as the Gulf of Ulloa (GU). The linear regression, linear spline regression, and logic models showed an overestimated SST by satellites compared to in situ data, particularly at temperatures below 20°C. The overestimation can be attributed to the oceanic-atmospheric variations, which are consequences of upwelling and the time lag between the data record morning by in situ and night by satellite sensors. This finding may be relevant in decision-making for marine resource management and conservation in the GU. The information may help to seek the sustainability of this social-environmental system.

ABSTRACT Deepwater fishing operations occur close to the shore of the Guatemalan Caribbean. In a study to characterize the deepwater species present in the fishing area, the incidental catch of a kitefin shark, Dalatias licha, was recorded at a depth of ~284-334 m, ca. 11 km northeast of El Quetzalito fishing village. The adult female with a total length of 1420 mm had morphological characteristics consistent with D. licha, which was confirmed by molecular methods. First record of D. licha in the western Caribbean region, a species cataloged at risk by the IUCN red list. With this record, the number of shark species known in the Guatemalan Caribbean increases to 25.

ABSTRACT Bycatch species are as important as target species in the challenge of comprehensive fishery management. This is especially the case for vulnerable species such as elasmobranchs in offshore areas of the Colombian Pacific Ocean (CPO), for which information is scarce and long-term databases are used. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the bycatch in tuna purse-seine fishery with an elasmobranch species approach using fishery data from 2000 to 2019. A total of 59 bycatch species were identified, including 27 bony fishes, 22 elasmobranchs, two mollusks, four sea turtles, and four dolphins. The total bycatch percentage was 20.8%, with elasmobranchs accounting for less than 5%. Fish aggregating devices (FADs) and class 6 vessels recorded the highest percentage of bycatch. Bony fish bycatch was mainly obtained from the border of Ecuador until 4° N across the CPO. Elasmobranchs were captured throughout the CPO, showing differences by vessel class and fishing method. The silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis was the most caught species. Elasmobranch spatial abundance and capture hotspots showed the highest values towards the northern coast, in offshore areas of Gorgona Island, southwards in offshore areas, and around Malpelo Island. FADs captured the highest number of bycatch species compared with other fishing methods, such as Tuna Associated with Dolphins (DEL), Natural Floating Objects (NAT), and Tuna not Associated (NoAs). Management recommendations for bycatch species in this fishery are provided in the CPO. management CPO , (CPO) longterm long term used Therefore purseseine purse seine 200 2019 5 identified 2 fishes mollusks turtles dolphins 208 20 8 20.8% 5% (FADs 4 method coast Island methods DEL, DEL (DEL) NAT, NAT (NAT) NoAs. NoAs . (NoAs) (CPO 201 20.8 (DEL (NAT (NoAs 20.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify the squids caught by shrimp trawlers in Sergipe and to describe their populational structure. Four samples were obtained monthly from commercial trawlers based in Pirambu-Sergipe (May/2015-May/2016). Each squid found was separated, identified, weighed individually (wet weight - WW in g) and had its mantle length (ML; cm) and total length (TL, including tentacles; cm) measured. One specimen of Doryteuthis pleii was captured (23.3 cm ML mature male), as well as 152 specimens of Lolliguncula brevis (1.5˗6.7 cm ML). The linear relation between TL and ML of L. brevis was TL=5.1173+2.6190ML (positive allometry) and the power relation between WW and ML was WW=0.1453ML2.5353 (negative allometry). For L. brevis, there were two cohorts in the area during the period analyzed. Studies on the biology of cephalopods are scarce in northeastern Brazil, especially considering that these species are present in the bycatch of shrimp fishing and that the global conservation status of L. brevis is data deficient (DD) according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). structure PirambuSergipe Pirambu May/2015May/2016. May2015May2016 MayMay May/2015 May/2016 . May 2015 2016 (May/2015-May/2016) separated identified wet g (ML TL, (TL tentacles measured 23.3 233 23 3 (23. male, male , male) 15 1.5˗6.7 1567 1 5 6 7 (1.5˗6. ML. ML) L TL5117326190ML TLML 1173 2 6190ML positive allometry WW01453ML25353 WWML 0 1453ML2 5353 WW=0.1453ML2.535 negative allometry. analyzed Brazil DD (DD IUCN. IUCN (IUCN) 2015May May/2015May/2016 May2015May201 May2015 May/201 May2016 201 (May/2015-May/2016 23. (23 1.5˗6. 156 (1.5˗6 117 WW01453ML2535 1453ML 535 WW=0.1453ML2.53 (IUCN May/2015May/201 May2015May20 May201 May/20 20 (May/2015-May/201 (2 1.5˗6 (1.5˗ 11 WW01453ML253 53 WW=0.1453ML2.5 May/2015May/20 May2015May2 May20 May/2 (May/2015-May/20 ( 1.5˗ (1.5 WW01453ML25 WW=0.1453ML2. May/2015May/2 May2015May May2 May/ (May/2015-May/2 1.5 (1. WW01453ML2 WW=0.1453ML2 May/2015May/ (May/2015-May/ 1. (1 WW01453ML WW=0.1453ML May/2015May (May/2015-May

Abstract It is commonly assumed that beach seining (BS) is more sustainable than bottom trawling because it involves non-motorized operations and limited fishing power. However, no scientific evidence supports this assumption. To address this gap, we evaluated the impact of beach seining, taking a small-scale shrimp fishery in northeast Brazil. Data collected monthly from December 2016 to November 2017 and in literature, were assessed (BS 31,001 individuals, 119 species, 37 families, and 19 orders; BT 6,031 individuals, 58 species, 20 families, and 14 orders). Beach seining demonstrated a lower proportion of bycatch (BS 1:2.3; BT 1:3.2), higher total shrimp catch (BS 87.2 t; BT 65 t), and greater species diversity than bottom trawling catches (BS 119; BT 58). Other aspects were closer associated with bottom trawling, such as the composition of dominant families (Sciaenidae and Pristigasteridae), the proportion of rare species (BS 30%; BT 24%) juveniles (BS 11g; BT 13g), the risk of species extinction, and the composition of ecological guilds. Despite their social significance, both fishing gears showed similar ecological indicators and adverse effects. The findings establish that the ecological concerns related to the impact of bottom trawling are also applicable to beach seine. BS nonmotorized non motorized power However assumption gap smallscale small scale Brazil 201 literature 31001 31 001 31,00 individuals 11 3 1 orders 6031 6 031 6,03 5 2 orders. . orders) 12.3 123 2.3 1:2.3 13.2, 132 3.2 , 1:3.2) 872 87 87. t t, t) 58. 58) Sciaenidae Pristigasteridae, Pristigasteridae Pristigasteridae) 30% 30 24% 24 11g g 13g, 13g 13g) extinction guilds significance effects seine 3100 00 31,0 603 03 6,0 12 12. 23 2. 1:2. 13 13.2 32 3. 1:3.2 8 310 0 31, 60 6, 1:2 13. 1:3. 1: 1:3

RESUMEN La distribución conocida del tiburón espinoso negro del Pacífico Echinorhinus cookei en el Pacífico Oriental se extiende desde Oregón (EE.UU.) hasta Costa Rica y desde Ecuador a Chile, con vacíos en las zonas costeras de Panamá y Colombia. El presente documento confirma la presencia de E. cookei en el Pacífico costero colombiano y sugiere que su distribución es continua a lo largo del rango latitudinal en el Pacífico Oriental.

ABSTRACT The known distribution of the Pacific black spiny shark Echinorhinus cookei in the Eastern Pacific extends from Oregon (USA) to Costa Rica and from Ecuador to Chile, with gaps in the coastal areas of Panama and Colombia. This document confirms the presence of E. cookei in the Pacific coastal area of Colombia and suggest that its distribution is continuous throughout the latitudinal range in the Eastern Pacific.

Resumen. Se evaluó el estado de explotación del marlin rayado en el Pacífico mexicano con datos históricos (1963-2014) de captura y esfuerzo de flotas comerciales y deportivas, incluso datos de captura incidental. Se estimaron 8 indicadores de abundancia relativa independientes para ajustar un modelo dinámico de biomasa por máxima verosimilitud. Para el periodo más reciente (2015-2019), se evaluó el estado de explotación a través de simulaciones hechas con el modelo ajustado, y se tomó como referencia los datos disponibles de captura por unidad de esfuerzo de las flotas deportivas. Los resultados indicaron que hasta 2014, la abundancia del marlin rayado ha pasado por 3 etapas diferentes. La primera fue una tendencia decreciente de 1964 a 1977, donde las capturas y el esfuerzo de las flotas comerciales excedieron, respectivamente, el máximo rendimiento sostenible (MRS) y el esfuerzo para alcanzar el MRS. La segunda ocurrió de 1977 a 1990, y fue una tendencia estable de baja abundancia, inferior a la abundancia cuando se alcanza el MRS; este cambio se relacionó con la reducción del esfuerzo de las flotas comerciales, aunque con capturas superiores al MRS. La tercera ocurrió de 1990 a 2014, y mostró una tendencia al incremento de la abundancia, debido al cese de operaciones de las flotas comerciales. Este incremento ha sido lento debido al desarrollo de la pesca deportiva y al incremento de las capturas incidentales. Después de 2014, el indicador para las flotas deportivas sugirió un cambio en la abundancia; de acuerdo con las simulaciones, la mortalidad por pesca fue insuficiente para explicar dicho cambio. Se plantea como hipótesis que la mortalidad natural del marlin rayado ha sido alta desde la década de 2010. Se discuten las condiciones que pudieron influir en esta situación y sus implicaciones en el manejo pesquero.

Abstract. Stock assessment of the striped marlin from the Mexican Pacific coast was done with historical (1963-2014) catch and effort data provided by commercial and recreational fleets, including bycatch data. Eight fishery-independent indices of relative abundance were used to fit a biomass dynamic model by maximum likelihood. For the most recent period (2015-2019), stock status was evaluated through simulations with the fitted model and available catch-per-unit-effort data of the recreational fleets as reference framework. Results indicated that up until 2014, striped marlin abundance showed 3 different trends. The first one was a decreasing trend from 1964 to 1977, where the catch and effort of commercial fleets exceeded the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and the level of effort to reach MSY, respectively. The second one occurred from 1977 to 1990, and it was a stable trend with low abundance, less than the abundance when MSY is reached; this change was related to the reduction of commercial effort, although catches greater than the MSY were observed. The third one occurred from 1990 to 2014, and it showed increasing abundance due to the cessation of commercial fleets. This increase, however, has become slower because of the development of the recreational fishery and the increased bycatch. After 2014, the indicator estimated with the data from the recreational fleets suggested a shift in abundance; according to simulations, the fishing mortality was insufficient to explain this change. It is hypothesized that the natural mortality of striped marlin has been high since the mid-2010s. Conditions that could influence this situation and their implications on fishery management are discussed.

RESUMO A piramutaba, Brachyplatystoma vaillantii é um bagre de água doce que representa o recurso pesqueiro mais abundante no estuário amazônico. O arrasto da piramutaba é feito em escala industrial, caracterizado pela presença de muitas espécies de água doce e marinha capturadas de forma incidental, com e sem valor comercial. Aqui descrevemos a captura incidental da pesca industrial de piramutaba no estuário amazônico e avaliamos a relação de dois fatores ambientais, profundidade e salinidade, com a captura incidental de espécies de água doce e marinhas nas estações chuvosa e seca. Identificamos 21 espécies de peixes cartilaginosos (19,1% de água doce e 80,9% marinhos) e 125 espécies de peixes ósseos (25,6% de água doce e 74,4% marinhos). A captura incidental incluiu 64 espécies sem valor comercial (43% de todas as espécies capturadas) que sempre são descartadas. Os peixes de água doce e estuarinos exibiram abundâncias significativamente maiores em ambientes mais rasos, enquanto os peixes marinhos foram igualmente abundantes ao longo de todo o gradiente de profundidade. Inversamente, a abundância de peixes de água doce diminuiu significativamente, e a de peixes estuarinos e marinhos aumentou significativamente em salinidades maiores. Em relação ao estado de conservação das espécies capturadas, uma é reconhecida como vulnerável (VU) e sete como criticamente ameaçadas (CR). As informações sobre a captura incidental da pesca da piramutaba no estuário amazônico são fundaentais para subsidiar políticas pesqueiras regionais e gestão de áreas protegidas. ambientais salinidade seca 2 19,1% 191 19 1 (19,1 809 80 9 80,9 12 25,6% 256 25 6 (25,6 744 74 4 74,4 marinhos. . 43% 43 (43 descartadas rasos Inversamente VU (VU CR. CR (CR) protegidas 19,1 (19, 8 80, 25,6 (25, 7 74, (4 (CR 19, (19 25, (25 ( (1 (2

ABSTRACT The piramutaba, Brachyplatystoma vaillantii is a freshwater catfish that is the most abundant fishery resource in the Amazon estuary. Piramutaba trawling is done on industrial fishing scale and is characterized by the presence of many freshwater and marine bycatch species, with and without commercial value. Here we describe the bycatch of the industrial fishery of piramutaba in the Amazon estuary and evaluate the relationship of two important environmental factors, depth and salinity, with the accidental capture of freshwater and marine fishes in the Amazon estuary in the rainy and dry seasons. We identified 21 cartilaginous fish species (19.1% freshwater and 80.9% marine) and 125 bony fish species (25.6% freshwater and 74.4% marine). The bycatch included 64 species without commercial value (43% of all bycatch species), which are always discarded. Freshwater and estuarine fishes exhibited significantly higher abundances in shallower environments, while marine fishes were similarly abundant along the entire depth gradient. On the contrary, the abundance of freshwater fishes significantly decreased, and that of estuarine and marine fishes significantly increased with increasing salinity. Regarding the conservation status of the bycatch species, one is classified as vulnerable (VU), and seven as critically endangered (CR). The information on the bycatch of piramutaba fishery in the Amazon estuary is important to subsidize regional fisheries policies and the management of protected areas. factors salinity seasons 2 19.1% 191 19 1 (19.1 809 80 9 80.9 12 25.6% 256 25 6 (25.6 744 74 4 74.4 marine. . 43% 43 (43 , species) discarded environments gradient contrary decreased VU, VU (VU) CR. CR (CR) areas 19.1 (19. 8 80. 25.6 (25. 7 74. (4 (VU (CR 19. (19 25. (25 ( (1 (2

Abstract Bycatch is an issue of worldwide relevance involving conflicts between conservation and fishery interests. In Brazil, this conflict has been highlighted in relation to the regulation of small-scale fishery with surface gillnets. To promote management and transformation of this conflict, we analyzed the relationship between catch unloadings from small-scale fishing with surface gillnets and strandings of marine megafauna. We used fishery monitoring data and beach monitoring data in São Paulo between 2015 and 2021, relating to Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Lepidochelys olivacea, Pontoporia blainvillei and Sotalia guianensis. The analyses included (i) overview of catches unloadings from small-scale fishing with surface gillnets and strandings that resulted in the death of each of these species over the course of the year; (ii) correlation tests between those variables for the northern, central, and southern regions; and (iii) performing regression analyses for municipalities within these regions, exhibiting statistically significant positive correlations. The fisheries harvest period was found not to overlap with the stranding distribution. In correlation tests, only strandings of C. mydas in the northern and southern regions, S. guianensis in the southern region and P. blainvillei in the central region showed relationships with fishing landings. The regression analysis was significant for C. mydas and S. guianensis. At the municipal level, the results were statistically significant for C. mydas in São Sebastião, Ubatuba, Ilha Comprida and Cananéia and for S. guianensis in Cananéia. However, the regression explained a small part of the mortality and other impact factors were pointed out. Non-prohibitive management measures, participatory studies, and direct methods for evaluating the interaction between fisheries and megafauna associated with environmental factors should be implemented, along with analyses on other impacts on megafauna.

Resumo A captura incidental é um tema de grande relevância mundial, permeado por conflitos entre interesses de conservação e pesca. Este conflito no Brasil relaciona-se especialmente ao regramento da pesca artesanal com emalhe de superfície e a captura incidental da megafauna. Para subsidiar a gestão e transformação desse conflito, analisou-se a relação entre desembarques da pesca artesanal com emalhe de superfície e os encalhes de megafauna com morte. Foram utilizados os bancos de dados do monitoramento pesqueiro e do monitoramento de praias de São Paulo entre 2015 e 2021, correspondentes a Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Lepidochelys olivacea, Pontoporia blainvillei e Sotalia guianensis. As análises incluíram (i) panorama dos desembarques pesqueiros com emalhe de superfície e encalhes com mortes de cada espécie durante os anos (ii) testes de correlação entre as variáveis para regiões Norte, Centro e Sul (iii) análise de regressão para os municípios nas regiões que apresentaram correlação positiva estatisticamente significativa. A distribuição do número de desembarques não apresentou sobreposição com a distribuição dos encalhes. Nos testes de correlação, somente os encalhes de C. mydas, na região Norte e Sul, S. guianensis no Sul e P. blainvillei no Centro apontaram relação com os desembarques. A análise de regressão foi significativa para C. mydas e S. guianensis. Nos municípios, C. mydas apresentou resultado estatisticamente significativo em São Sebastião, Ubatuba, Ilha Comprida e Cananéia e S. guianensis em Cananéia. Entretanto, a regressão explicou uma pequena parte da mortalidade e outros fatores de impacto foram apontados. Recomenda-se medidas de ordenamento não proibitivas, estudos participativos e aplicação de métodos diretos de avaliação da interação da pesca com a megafauna, associado a fatores ambientais, bem como análises de outros impactos sobre a megafauna.

Abstract Bottom trawl fishing is the most used worldwide gear generating large amounts of discards due to bycatch of a variety of species. Shrimp fisheries are recognized for their high incidence in global discards. In waters of Patagonia Argentina (43°S - 47°S) an industrial shrimp fishery of high economic value is developed whose target species is the Patagonian shrimp Pleoticus muelleri. The information presented in this study comprises a period of 12 years (2003-2014) and it was gathered by the On-board Observer Program. The Program collects information of all species captured in the fishing fleets. The data analyzed corresponds to the double-rigged otter trawler fleet and the coastal fleet. The fish bycatch composition was characterized in both fleets and the frequencies of occurrence of species and the assemblage areas were analyzed. A total of 101 fish species were identified (59 families) of which 69 were bony fishes, 29 cartilaginous fishes and three species of jawless fishes. The assemblages described correspond to coastal and deep waters, and they are integrated by temperate and subtropical species pointing out the area as an ecotonal zone.

Abstract This study presents the first record of the cordiform echinoid Plagiobrissus grandis (Gmelin, 1791) (Echinoidea: Spatangoida: Brissidae) in Paraná’s shallow inner shelf, in addition to a brief description of its location, body measurements, sex determination, and reproductive status. Two specimens were recorded between 2015 (bycatch by artisanal fishing) and 2016 (observed by scuba diving). The only specimen - with severe signs of weakness - captured was donated to Associação MarBrasil and kept in an aquarium for rehabilitation (8 days), where it was possible to observe digging movements, burying skills (partially), and camouflage or covering behavior. The organism was sent to the UNESPAR campus of Paranaguá and was photographed, measured (length: 155.65 mm, width: 118.93 mm, and maximum test height: 41.31 mm), fixed, and properly preserved. Digitized images of the histological preparation showed that it was a female in the recovery stage (or nutritional reserve) of the reproductive cycle. Regardless of their limitations, the current records for the Brissidae family in South Atlantic are still concentrated on the Brazilian coast, contributing to the understanding of zoogeographic, ecological, morphophysiological, and behavioral aspects of the spatangoid echinoids.

RESUMEN Un análisis de cadena de valor de la pesquería de arrastre en el Pacífico mostró que más del 50 % de los empleos generados en esta pesquería son ocupados por mujeres, y que la mitad de estos son aportados por las platoneras del distrito de Buenaventura. Las platoneras son mujeres afrodescendientes comercializadoras de productos pesqueros basados en las capturas incidentales de esta pesquería y que hacen parte integral de la pesquería de arrastre. Desconociéndose el aporte a la economía local y al sector pesquero, este estudio describe el rol de las platoneras en la pesquería para realizar un mapeo de la cadena de valor sensible al género y nutrición. Para esto, se aplicaron entrevistas a 123 platoneras en cinco puntos de comercialización del distrito. El análisis mostró que ellas perciben en promedio $87.500 COP diarios. La edad promedio es de 50 años y 94 % se encuentran afiliadas al sistema de salud bajo régimen subsidiado. Las platoneras comercializan alrededor de 60 productos y su papel es clave para el dinamismo del sector pesquero, la economía y la tradición gastronómica local.

ABSTRACT An analysis of the value chain of the trawl fishery in the Pacific, showed that more than 50 % of the jobs generated in this fishery are occupied by women, and that half of these are provided by the platoneras of the Buenaventura district. The platoneras are afro-descendant women who market fish products based on the bycatch of this fishery and who are an integral part of the trawl fishery. Ignoring the contribution to the local economy and the fishing sector, this study describes the role of platoneras in the trawl fishery to map the value chain sensitive to gender and nutrition. For this, 123 direct surveys to platoneras in five marketing points of the district were applied. The analysis showed that they receive an average of $87,500 COP per day. The average age is 50 years and 94 % of them are affiliated with the health under a subsidized regime. The platoneras market around 60 products and their role is key to the dynamism of the fishing sector, the economy, and the local gastronomic tradition.

Resumen Introducción: Los mamíferos marinos se ven afectados por diversas amenazas que deben identificarse para los esfuerzos de mitigación. Objetivo: Cuantificar visualmente las amenazas a los mamíferos marinos en Colombia e identificar acciones de mitigación. Métodos: Georreferenciamos las amenazas con base en la literatura, cubriendo 35 especies en el período 1991-2020, y las superpusimos en mapas de distribución de especies. Resultados: 22 especies presentaron al menos una amenaza. La captura incidental y las interacciones con los artes de pesca afectaron a 16 especies, seguidas de la captura directa (8 especies), el tráfico/tránsito de embarcaciones (6 especies) y la alteración de la física oceánica (6 especies). Las especies más afectadas, en cuanto a mayor diversidad de amenazas, son: ballena jorobada (Megaptera novaeangliae), manatí antillano del Caribe (Trichechus manatus), el tucuxi marino (Sotalia guianensis) y el delfín nariz de botella (Tursiops truncatus). Casi todo el territorio marino de Colombia presenta algún grado de riesgo para los mamíferos marinos. Las áreas de alto riesgo son Buenaventura, Guapi, Golfo de Cupica y Tumaco en el Pacífico; y Golfo de Urabá, Golfo de Darién, Golfo de Morrosquillo, frente a Barranquilla, Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta y Golfo de Coquivacoa en el Caribe. Conclusión: Los mamíferos marinos en Colombia se encuentran actualmente en riesgo debido a varias amenazas, especialmente relacionadas con actividades de pesca, caza/captura y transporte marítimo, principalmente en las zonas costeras. Se necesitan acciones urgentes de evaluación y gestión en las diez áreas de alto riesgo identificadas en este estudio.

Abstract Introduction: Marine mammals are affected by diverse threats that must be identified for mitigation efforts. Objective: To visually quantify threats to marine mammals in Colombia, and to identify mitigation actions. Methods: We georeferenced threats based on the literature, covering 35 species in the period 1991-2020, and superimposed them on species range maps. Results: 22 species had at least one threat. Bycatch and interactions with fishing gear affected 16 species, followed by direct capture (8 species), vessel traffic/transit (6 species) and alteration of ocean physics (6 species). The most affected species, in terms of the greatest diversity of threats, are: humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Caribbean West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), marine tucuxi (Sotalia guianensis) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Nearly all of Colombia’s marine territory presents some degree of risk for marine mammals. High-risk areas are Buenaventura, Guapi, Cupica Gulf and Tumaco in the Pacific; and Urabá Gulf, Darién Gulf, Morrosquillo Gulf, off Barranquilla, Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and Coquivacoa Gulf in the Caribbean. Conclusion: Marine mammals in Colombia are currently at risk due to several threats, especially related to fishing, hunting/capture and shipping activities, mainly in coastal areas. Urgent evaluation and management actions are needed in the ten high-risk areas identified in this study.

ABSTRACT While fishing discards and bycatch are worrisome for fisheries management, research has been mainly focused on commercial or threatened species, while the ecosystem effects were largely neglected. In this work, the effects of discard and fishing efforts on the structure and the functioning of the food web of the Río de la Plata (RdlP) were analyzed using mass balance and dynamic trophic modeling. Discard is consumed almost entirely by several species with a large preference for it, producing mixed trophic impacts. The role of discard on the global attributes of the RdlP ecosystem does not seem important, resulting in a low incidence in trophic flows, growth, and development of the trophic web. Dynamic simulations showed a mixed response to variations of discards, with some groups responding positively and others negatively. For example, a decrease in discards would produce a slight decrease in the biomass of most functional groups, being more pronounced in the predators of the system. Variations in biomass produced by discards are more sensitive under the assumption of bottom-up ecosystem control than mixed control and to a lesser extent under top-down control. Our work confirms a complex relationship between discards and ecosystem functioning, warning about the beneficial result of discard reduction policies.