The different perceptions of local community about Araça Bay's
environment and its changes were investigated by performing interviews
following a semi-structured script (guide). The interviews
were conducted as a conversation, enabling some flexibility and
freedom to discuss predefined themes (Combessie, 2004). The
interview script (Table 1) consisted in a list of topics to be addressed
according to the objectives of the research. Part I was developed to
characterize stakeholders' uses and their different relationship
with local environment in the bay; Part II was focused in their
memories and perceptions about past environmental changes and
impacts; and Part III comprised their perspectives and opinions
about the future of Araça Bay.