Primeira abordagem sobre a pesca da sardinha-bandeira, Opisthonema oglinum (Lesueur, 1818) em Caponga, Cascavel - Ceará

Abstract

The coastal state of Ceara is characterizated by great diversity of fish species; however few fishery resources are available. Among these fishery resources, the sardine-flag (Opisthonema oglinum) occupies a prominent place. Like other species of fish, sardine possesses a large nutritional capacity for human consumption, for example important nutrients such as basic white protein, calcium, Omega 3 and Omega 6. Having this in mind, and in reference to the municipality of Cascavel we aimed to implement a firsthand approach on this activity not only to serve as a basis for fisheries management, but also serve as a positive reflection in the exploitation of fish-stocks; thus contributing to a sustainable ecological balance, social and economic development. During the research, regular visits were made to the Caponga Beach, located in the east coast of Ceara, over the period between April and October 2010. Data collected during the research described succintively the fishing activity, determined the fishing area and clarified information on the trade relations established among the fishermen. Were also collected and analyzed data on fish production in the municipals which supply the Geraniums spp., between 2001 and 2008. In Caponga Beach, O. oglinum represented 8.6% of total production fish obtained from the coast of Ceará in 2006 and between 2001 and 2008 total quantity of production reached 30.4 tones. In this area, vessels used to fish are sail-propelled steamers and of length ranging between 2.5 and 5.0 meters. They represent 77.78% of the fleet found in Caponga Beach and 63.20% of the entire municipal fleet (2009). Fishing of sardines utilizes drag nets where the catch is toiled to the coast. Its characteristics include its rectangular format, measuring 60 m length from the selvedge, 1.25 m high (when extended) and the square meshes with dimensions of 5 to 6 cm, with nets loaded with floaters and sinkers. Despite being one of the most important species in small-scale artisanal fisheries of the region in Cascavel, studies on the fishing of sardine are still scarce. Commercialization of the production transects several paths commencing with the fishermen, who may also be the owners of the vessels, to brokers and varied restaurants and finally foreign or local consumers. In Caponga, this fishing activity runs daily, all year round. Such a scenario is capable of generating uncontrolled exploitation of sardine stocks, where constant pressures are exerted on fishing, intensively.