Pesca artesanal, turismo e impactos socioambientais: A percepção ambiental dos pescadores na APA Costa dos Corais (Alagoas/Brasil)

Abstract

The present study aims to, in light of marine environmental debates, develop knowledge background on social-environmental issues in Área de Proteção Ambiental Costa dos Corais (APACC) located in the municipality of São Miguel dos Milagres (SMM), Alagoas. The APACC is currently subject of a tourism expansion politics due to local natural attractions, among others, the coastal coral reefs. The artisanal fishery constitutes itself as an important activity for food safety of the local population and others living in the APACC’s surroundings, this activity is also known for its low potential for generating negative impacts. Within this context, it is justified to investigate the correlation between human practices and its impacts on local socio-environmental tessitura. For this purpose, it was applied both qualitative and quantitative approaches in light of a case study by means of bibliographic, documental and field research. Information obtained using techniques of interviews with artisanal fishermen and participant observation, point to an expressive accession of these fishermen to the activity of conducting tourists to the natural pools, to the detriment of artisanal fishery, increasing the generation of impacts on the coral reefs. In SMM case study, the investigation of the correlation between artisanal fishery, tourism and vilegiature with generation of impacts, allied with the accurate artisanal fishermen’s environmental perception, constitutes relevant subsidy to tool up coastal management, artisanal fishery management, environmental conservation of coral reefs ecosystems and regulation of activities related to tourism; thus contributing, to socio-environmental sustainability at the APACC in São Miguel dos Milagres.