Avaliação da atividade pesqueira na comunidade de pescadores artesanais de Bitupitá, município de Barroquinha, Ceará

Abstract

Fishing plays an important socio-economic role in the employment of labor, work, income generation and food supply for the population, especially for small coastal communities of Ceará State, Brazil. The research aimed to characterize artisanal fisheries held in Bitupitá, municipality of Barroquinha, Ceará and identify the socioeconomic profile of employees. They interviewed 128 fishermen and 22 professionals involved in this fishing community. These were questioned on socioeconomic issues and issues related to fishing. The results of the interviews showed that 59% of Bitupitá fishermen practice fishing in "curral" and 41% carries the hand-line fishing. The main species caught in the region are: “Serra Spanish mackerel” (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), Sardines (Opisthonema oglinum), “Atlantic bumper” (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), “Tarpon” (Megalops atlanticus), “Bigeye trevally” (Caranx sp.), Sword (Trichiurus lepturus) and Lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris). All fishermen interviewed were male with ages ranging from 15 to 65 years old. They declared themselves as professional fishers, but also worked as masons or vigilantes certain times of the year. According to theirs answers, they have low levels of education and incomes are lower than the minimum wage. It was reported that using gear and fishing practices that may be considered unsustainable, but that they use said its happens because of lack of alternative. However, they demonstrated knowledge about the tools which can do some damage to fish and thus prejudice the fishery. The production chain proved to be disorganized, with whether or no evidence of collaboration between its links. A SOWT matrix was drawn up based on the data collected where it was possible to identify the main forces of activity as the presence of highly experienced professionals, plenty of potential and raw material for large investments in fish marketing infrastructure. And the negatives as the failure of fisheries use, overfishing and the misuse and degradation of natural resources.