Ecological knowledge of upper Paraná River ‘varjão’ (big meadow): anthropogenic changes in fishermen’s language

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study a distinct category of upper Paraná river fishermen’s’ ecological knowledge in a specific environment, locally called ‘varjão’ (big meadow). That knowledge is reported in seven sentences describing changes to which ‘varjão’ was imposed and also its anthropogenic activity. Results showed that three fishers’ statements are in agreement with the region scientific knowledge. However, the other four statements reveal a popular interpretation of some unknown or scientifically non-corroborated events. Therefore, the study points out that gaps in scientific research may be addressed to popular wisdom. Parallel with that, it also reveals that in the last few years fishers have stored significant ecological feeling of the ecosystem changes and impacts in fishing practice.