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Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) is the only non-migratory (resident) baleen whale in Brazil, remaining year-round in the subtropical seas, but are among the least known whales. By combining genetics and spatial analysis, we aim to characterize the genetic diversity and determine the spatiotemporal distribution and habitat-use patterns for the Bryde's whale population in the South Brazil Bight, in the Santos Basin (23°S to 28°S/40°W to 49°W). During surveys (n = 16) between 2015 and 2018, we recorded 82 Bryde's whale groups and collected biopsy samples from 13 individuals. Based on our samples, the population of Bryde's whales presented low genetic diversity. Its distribution varied seasonally, with records occurring mainly in the north of the study area, near Cabo Frio, during warm seasons and in southern waters during cold seasons. The oceanographic dynamics, characterized by diverse frontal systems that enhance productivity on the shelf, likely drive the distribution of the whales, and the seasonal shifts between core areas seem to reflect changes in productivity and prey availability. Our results bring unprecedented information to understand the ecology of Bryde's whales on the Brazilian coast, and how their distribution and habitats are critically linked with the South Brazil Bight marine environment and its dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) (AMW) is one of the smallest species among baleen whales, occurring in the southern hemisphere from Antarctica to near the equator, and performing seasonal migrations from polar to tropical waters. Information about (AMW) occurrence in the winter breeding grounds is scarce, mostly coming from old records from whaling stations before the 1960's international moratorium, such as Costinha Station in Northeastern Brazil (6° S / 34° W) and some sightings from few dedicated visual surveys. Acoustic methods can provide important data on the occurrence and distribution of migratory species. This work describes the occurrence of the Antarctic minke whale through acoustic detections of their "Bioduck" vocalisations in the Santos Basin, South-Southeastern Brazil (22° and 28° S / 42° and 48° W). Data was recorded between November 12 and December 19, 2015. AMW calls were detected for 12 days. We detected and classified 9 different Bio-duck calls in Brazilian coastal waters, evidencing a highly diverse acoustic behavior for the minke whale breeding ground. This is the first attempt to describe the acoustic diversity of AMW vocalizations in lower latitudes, contributing important information for future conservation efforts and management of AMW populations and their habitat. Therefore, our study presents the foremost acoustic evidence of the Antarctic minke whale in Brazilian coastal waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Neotropical Biology & Conservation is the property of Pensoft Publishers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify the interactions and conflicts that exist between the southern right whale (E. australis) and the coastal fisheries performed in the Southern Right Whale Environmental Preservation Area (EPA) in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, through the knowledge of local fishers. Thirty-three ethnographic interviews held in October 2010 found that 81.8% (N=27) of the fishermen interviewed were able to identify the species by its area of occurrence, coloration, and body size. The subsequent analysis of interviews was based on those 27 fishermen selected. There were no reports of positive interactions, and 52% (N=14) of those interviewed described negative interactions related to whales “tearing and/or dragging the gillnets”. Accidents between whales and fishing vessels were described by 44% (N=12) of the fishermen. Accidental captures in gillnets were mentioned in 48% (N=13) of the interviews and fishermen believed that these events were caused by whales failing to see gillnets in the water (N=4) and by the position of these nets in the routes frequented by the mammals (N=9). In the fishermen''s eyes this type of interaction has minimal impact on fishery. Therefore, is suggested the monitoring of areas frequented by whales and fishery, the use of gillnets away from these animals'' migration routes, the search for alternative and lower-impact fishing activities, and the training of local actors for sustainable whale watching tourism in the region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Oceanography is the property of Instituto Oceanografico da Universidade de Sao Paulo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)