Conflicts with fisheries and intentional killing of freshwater dolphins (Cetacea: Odontoceti) in the Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

We report three cases of conflicts with fishing activities of freshwater dolphins Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis in the Western Brazilian Amazon. The animals presented several cuts produced by perforating and cutting objects, especially on the dorsum, sides and flukes. The wounds were probably caused by harpoons and machetes, gear commonly used by local inhabitants for fishing and agricultural practices in the Amazon. The carcasses had not been subsequently used in any way, which suggests that the animals were not killed for consumption. Conflicts with fishermen and persistent cultural taboos may have led to the deaths. These records are an indication of a growing situation of conflict with fishing activities that should be taken into consideration in the conservation policy planning of aquatic mammals in the Amazon. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.