A pesca artesanal e o planejamento espacial marinho: perspectivas para as praias der Taíba e Pecém, Ceará

Abstract

The lack of proper regulation of human activities in Brazil’s marine space has led to a series of socio-environmental conflicts, particularly between artisanal fisheries and sectors such as industrial fishing, tourism, aquaculture, and port development. Despite its economic and sociocultural importance, artisanal fishing has been increasingly marginalized in the face of expanding capital-intensive activities. Data from the FAO and national institutions indicate a significant contribution of small-scale fisheries to fish production and employment, especially in Brazil’s Northeast region. Along the coast of Ceará, with a particular focus on the municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante, artisanal fishing remains a vital livelihood for local communities, even as they face growing pressures from the expansion of the Pecém Port. In this context, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is presented as a strategic tool for integrated coastal management, aiming to reconcile competing marine uses while fostering ecosystem conservation. This article proposes a preliminary MSP framework for São Gonçalo do Amarante, focusing on the identification of existing conflicts, mapping overlapping areas of use, and proposing solutions based on the perspectives of the social actors involved. The findings highlight the urgent need for participatory planning, grounded in geospatial and ecological data, that recognizes the value of artisanal fishing and promotes a more just and sustainable coastal development model.