Fishermen's participation in research and conservation of coastal elasmobranchs

The use of animals from commercial fishing for scientific purposes is a reality in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of a good relationship between researchers and fishermen. To assess the effectiveness of traditional communities' inclusion in research, this study provides comparative data on elasmobranch landing patterns and on-board processing before and after participatory activities. Through the inclusion of members of the fishing community, a change in behavior and recognition of the importance of elasmobranch research and conservation were detected. Such a strategy is an effective empowerment tool, benefiting not only the management of coastal species, but also valuing traditional knowledge in research and creating a work environment based on trust and commitment.