Conservação de tubarões e raias na educação básica: a importância dos seus aspectos biológicos para a sua preservação

Abstract

The relationship between education and conservation of sharks and rays is crucial for the preservation of marine ecosystems. In the book “Pedagogy of Autonomy” written by Paulo Freire, the author highlights the need for a participatory and critical approach, involving the community in the process of learning and raising awareness about environmental issues. Sharks and rays belong to the subclass Elasmobranchii, a group of vertebrate animals known as cartilaginous fishes. This group is characterized by an ancient evolutionary lineage and few morphological changes, which makes them well adapted to their habitat. Currently, there are about 1,237 species of elasmobranchs, which can be found in freshwater environments, such as rivers and lakes, as well as in coastal and oceanic areas. Sharks and rays play a fundamental role in the marine food chain, acting as predators that control the populations of other marine vertebrates and invertebrates. The survival of these animals is vital for the maintenance of the marine ecosystem. Unfortunately, overfishing has gradually increased, making many elasmobranch species endangered worldwide. In Brazil, there are approximately 180 known species of sharks and rays, of which approximately 100 may be directly or indirectly impacted by commercial fishing. Given this reality, this research aims to raise awareness among students about the importance of shark and ray conservation, addressing fishing practices that negatively impact these animals and the lack of effective protective measures. The study included visits to the “Professora Antônia Rangel de Farias” State Elementary and High School, located in the Torre neighborhood of João Pessoa/PB. During the visits, activities such as lectures and educational workshops were developed for 3rd grade high school students.