Rentabilidade e eficiência econômica de uma pescaria tropical de livre acesso: o caso da frota artesanal de Macau, Nordeste do Brasil.

Abstract

This research discusses vessel economic behaviour, applying financial management and microeconomics knowledge to evaluate economic performance of an open access tropical artisanal fishing fleet. A total of 10 engine boats, overall length between 7,5 and 8,8 meters operating in Macau, northeast Brazil, was surveyed with respect to the costs, earnings, profits and economic efficiency in 156 fishing trips between September 2013 and June 2014. Fishing gear used by fishermen were gillnets in a wide range of mesh sizes and hooks of different sizes attached to lines, appropriated to catch target species. The sample calculated economic efficiency was 1,27, with a gross profit margin of 21%, both calculated before taxes and interests. The fishing effort considered was the working of a fisherman in a fishing day. It was found that most of the boats have utilization index close to 60% and, by diminishing port time, economic efficiency could be improved. As fishing time, boats that have fast fishing trips (1 to 3 days) targeting low value species (small pelagic species, as Hirundichthys affinis, Hyporramphus spp., Hemirramphus spp. and Opisthonema oglinum) obtained better profits than longer fishing trips, over 4 days, targeting higher value species (as example, Ocyurus chrysurus, Coryphaena hippurus and Scomberomorus brasiliensis).