Franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei is an endemic species to the Atlantic Southwestern which has been listed as an endangered migratory species due to the continued incidental capture in fish-nets of artisanal fisheries all along its distribution (Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay). The Rio Grande do Sul/Uruguay population has suffered declines of more than 30% since the 60s. Consequently, this population was recently categorized as “Vulnerable” in the IUCN Red List. The first systematic records of mortality started in Uruguay in 1974 and continued until 1994. Since then, there hasn’t been any monitoring programme of Uruguayan artisanal fisheries and their interaction with the species. Lack of information for over 10 years clearly shows the need to collect data on franciscana mortality in our country.

General:

- Evaluate incidental mortality of franciscana in artisanal fish-nets on the river Río de la Plata and the Uruguayan Atlantic coast.

- Integrate the obtained information in a regional manner, and coordinate efforts for the conservation of the species.

Specific:

- Determine the characteristics of each artisanal fishery

- Determine the level of interaction of the franciscana with each of the fisheries.

- Obtain biological data from caught and stranded individuals.

- Inform fishermen as well as coastal local communities and generate consciousness of the problems involved and the importance of the study.