Análise dos impactos antropogênicos sofridos por espécies de cetáceos que ocorrem no litoral do Brasil

Abstract

Cetaceans are essential indicators of marine ecosystem health, responding sensitively to changes caused by human activities. In Brazil, where 49 species are recorded, many face vulnerability due to interactions with fishing, pollution, and vessel traffic. This study conducted a quantitative and qualitative analysis of anthropogenic impacts on cetaceans along the Brazilian coast between 2020 and 2025, using secondary data from the Aquatic Biota Monitoring Information System (SIMBA). A total of 7,261 stranding records were analyzed, with the highest concentrations in the states of São Paulo, Santa Catarina, and Rio de Janeiro, reflecting both the ecological productivity of these regions and the intensity of monitoring efforts. The franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) and the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) were the most frequent species, totaling 5,742 records, corresponding to 79% of the records analyzed records. Fishing interaction was identified as the primary anthropogenic impact vector, accounting for at least 1,499 records. The applied Vulnerability Index (VI) classified the franciscana and the Guiana dolphin as having "Very High" vulnerability, showing that proximity to urban areas and fishing zones drastically increases the risk for these populations. The study concludes that, although stranding records are fundamental for management, they represent only a fraction of the actual mortality occurring at sea, emphasizing the urgent need for public policies that restrict the use of gillnets in breeding and feeding areas.