Home How TAMAR works




A LOT OF RESEARCH,
MORE KNOWLEDGE


TAMAR-IBAMA constantly carries out research in order to gain more knowledge about the behavior of sea turtles and improve techniques that can contribute to the work of conservation of the species. This work guides the actions to reduce the noxious effects of man's actions on the environment and the repercussion that this has on the lives of sea turtles, such as fishing, artificial lighting and vehicle traffic in nesting areas.


So as to improve fishing activities and increase fishermen's source of subsistence and feeding, TAMAR maps the bottom of sea, using a boat equipped with a probe, in order to find new fishing grounds. It also builds fish aggregating devices, authentic artificial islands, with ropes and coconut palm leaves tied to a float. These islands attract small fish, which in turn attract medium sized fish, which also in turn attract larger fish, forming rich fishing-grounds for fishermen, who no longer need to capture and kill turtles to survive.


In order to describe the sea turtle populations, genetic studies (Mitochondrial DNA) and other studies yielding information on the reproduction behavior, nest incubation conditions, spatial and temporal distribution of nests for the different species and areas of reproduction are carried out, as well as comparative studies into the temperature of nests and incubation conditions in different places. Results are submitted to the scientific community through symposiums, congresses and workshops in Brazil and abroad.