Artisanal fishery communities at Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Abstract

This study characterizes the artisanal fishery communities of Rio Grande do Sul state. The data were obtained at the year 2001, with entities linked to the fishery sector and through participative methodologies. It was estimated that there are 12.201 artisanal fishermen distributed in 7 macro fishing areas in the state. The average age of fishermen is 42.9 years; 73% are married and 80% did not complete the 1º degree; fisherwomen represents between 8 and 10% of the total. Fish is consumed one to four times a week (54% of cases), with an average “per capita” consume of 366.5 grams by meal, values which are considered high and indicate the importance of fish as a protein source. Fishery activities take place daily or for periods from 2 to 15 days. The monthly income varies from half to 4 minimum wages (89% of the cases) and their profit depends on the complexity of the productive chain. The catch is sold to intermediates, fish markets, industries, bars/restaurants, cooperatives or directly to consumers. It is commercialized at least 35 species of fish and 7 of crustaceans. The main problems faced by fishermen are related to the absence of documentation, illiteracy, low income, conflicts with other users of the aquatic systems, pollution and modification of habitats which interferes in fishing activities. Literacy programs, personal documentation, vocational courses seeking value aggregation to fish, control of the fingerlings releases and aquaculture of exotic species, enforcement of regulation on bottom-trawling, sand dredges and suction pumps, are pointed as necessary.