Researchers perform ultrasounds on sharks from Fernando de Noronha - Images Mariana Manente/Projeto Golfinho Rotador Researchers from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) and volunteers who are part of the Ecotuba Project, began monitoring the Alagados dos Tubarões, in the Porto de Santo Antônio region, in Fernando de Noronha, a new study area. The objective is to expand knowledge about the reproduction and development of animals that use the site. In their work, researchers capture female nurse sharks and perform ultrasound examinations (see video above). ✅ Receive g1 news on WhatsApp "We want to scientifically confirm whether this place is used not only for copulation, but also for the development of embryos. The literature indicates that pregnant females heat their abdominal region on stones heated by the sun to promote pregnancy", explained researcher Mariana Rêgo. Shark is captured for study in Noronha Ana Clara Marinho/TV Globo Operation The animals are captured with the help of a net and taken to a shallower area. They then receive an appointment, undergo measurements and undergo an ultrasound examination. "We observed the ovary and the uterus. With the examination, we were able to confirm whether the female is pregnant and identify the stage of pregnancy", stated Mariana Rêgo. The research is another stage in the monitoring of sharks carried out 12 years ago in Fernando de Noronha by researchers from UFRPE. In addition to this work, researchers carry out expeditions on board to capture sharks, install transmitters and monitor the animals' movements. Monitoring in Alagados dos Tubarões complements the information already collected. Alagados dos Tubarões is the new area researched Ana Clara Marinho/TV Globo READ ALSO: Research in Fernando de Noronha explains why sharks have two sexual organs Environmental education Visitor drivers and island residents also participate in the research. The proposal is to bring the community closer to scientific work and expand environmental education actions. "We invite residents to participate in this citizen science action. We want to combine the knowledge of those who live on the island with scientific data. The information provided by the tourist guides is very important for research", said Mariana Rêgo. Visitor driver José Martins da Silva Filho participates in monitoring on a voluntary basis. "It is a pleasure to contribute to the research of an animal that I greatly admire. I frequent this area with tourists and participating in the study expands my knowledge", said José. Visitor driver Guacirana Cristina also participates in monitoring. "It's exciting to participate in the capture, marking and examinations. Furthermore, we can show visitors that sharks are not villains. They are part of the ecosystem and deserve respect", he declared. Relationship between sharks and dolphins Other environmental projects accompany the work. Among them is the Rotator Dolphin Project, which maintains a partnership with researchers to expand knowledge about the island's marine fauna. "For many years we have been exchanging information to better understand the relationship between sharks and dolphins. This exchange of knowledge strengthens research", explained José Martins. According to José Martins, sharks, dolphins and other marine species play an important role in sustainable tourism in Fernando de Noronha. "The lemon shark, for example, is studied so that we can understand its economic importance for the local community, especially for diving activities. This information helps to create more efficient conservation strategies," he said. Monitoring in Alagados dos Tubarões will be carried out between June and September. VIDEOS: most seen in Pernambuco in the last 7 days the