Aquatic wild meat consumption of cetaceans in Sao Tom? and Principe (Gulf of Guinea)

Aquatic wild meat consumption of cetaceans in Sao Tome and Principe (Gulf of Guinea). Relatively little is known about cetaceans in Sao Tome and Principe and in recent years, some episodes of cetacean bycatch and human con-sumption have been described. Aiming to provide insight into the reliance upon cetaceans as a source of meat, we present findings from complementary studies conducted in the islands of Sao Tome and Principe from 2012 to 2021. Based on interviews with local residents, we assessed the prevalence of human consumption of cetaceans and identified potential sociodemographic drivers. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of harvest (direct remove or incidental take) and consumption of cetaceans (mainly the family Delphinidae) in the country. These findings will be useful in the development of regional conservation measures and contribute to our un-derstanding of anthropogenic activities affecting cetacean populations in the Gulf of Guinea.

Automated summary

This study assessed the consumption of cetaceans, mainly the Delphinidae family, in Sao Tome and Principe through interviews with local residents. The findings provide valuable insights for the development of regional conservation measures and understanding the impact of human activities on cetacean populations in the Gulf of Guinea.