Abstract

Pró-Arribada Project represents the first Brazilian initiative toward the study of spawning aggregations of reef fish in four focal points along the Brazilian coast. Together with the support of “Meros do Brasil Project” its main objectives were to investigate the occurrences of spawning aggregations through the investigation of data on past fisheries landings, Local Ecological Knowledge, monitoring of biological aspects of selected species, making use of a Fisheries Voluntary Monitoring Program (known as MOPE) to obtain biological samples, and surveying suspected areas of occurrence and already known areas with scientific divers to document and study spawning aggregation events. Results presented here deal specifically with the southern Brazilian focal point of Pró-Arribada, where the goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) and the dusky-grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) were the focus of studies. Results report the reproductive and feeding habits of sampled dusky-grouper, as well as, a known annual aggregation of goliath groupers where circa 45 specimens were observed. Data obtained through Local Ecological Knowledge supported survey dives, indicating areas where invariably local reef fish community composition and habitat characteristics were reported. Results provided important maps to be delivered to the Brazilian Environmental Agency (ICMBio) and the Brazilian Environmental Ministry (MMA), suggesting spatial and temporal sensitive areas that should be considered for protection during spawning seasons, especially regarding future licensing processes of seismic surveys and activities of the Oil and Gas industry.

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