Environmental perception of artisanal fishermen in the region of Ilha Grande National Park, PR/MS, after the formation of the Itaipu reservoir: traditional knowledge and human-nature interaction

The flooding of the Sete Quedas fall for the formation of the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant, on the Parana River, had impacts on fishing. The objective of this study was to analyze the environmental perception of fishermen in the region of Ilha Grande National Park, the environmental changes that occurred after the formation of the Itaipu reservoir and their relationship with fishing in the region. Data collection was carried out through interviews, with a semi-structured script approved by the Ethics Committee of Western Parana State University. This script consisted of 26 questions aimed at identifying the socioeconomic characteristics of the activity and the changes that occurred from 1980 to 2020. Qualitative variables were analyzed. The results showed that fishermen have knowledge and perception of the environmental changes that have occurred in the last 40 years, and of the consequences of these changes in the fishing and housing spaces where they are inserted. Moreover, they demonstrated knowledge about changes in the river bed, in the course and on the banks of the Parana River, about silting up and the decrease and/or extinction of fish species, in line with what has been found in the scientific literature. Thus, for these artisanal fishermen, the flooding caused social, cultural and economic losses. It is necessary for public authorities to act, supported by scientific information, guiding environmental education actions and measures to mitigate the environmental impacts generated and to support the fishermen.