Consumo de pescado em uma comunidade de pescadores artesanais do litoral do Estado do Ceará

Abstract

Fishing activities contribute to the diversification of the diet of coastal populations, especially in relation to fish species consumed when compared to other sources of animal protein. In view of this context, the importance of this study for the knowledge of the relationship between the available fish resources and the consumption of fish in communities, where fishing is the subsistence activity of the families and the fish, the local resource is the present protein item on their desks. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of food consumption in families of a village of artisanal fishermen on the west coast of the state of Ceará. The families targeted for community research had at least one member engaged in artisanal fisheries. The collection of food biomass data was carried out by means of registers and precision scales. In total, 15 families of the community recorded during the periods of november/december 2017 and march 2018 during 30 days and 15 consecutive days, respectively, their consumption in the lunches and dinner meals. Data were analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics. The fish was consumed on average 5,13 days in the week with daily consumption by the family unit of 855 grams and the average individual consumption of 90 grams. Fifteen species of fish were mentioned, the most consumed being Ariacó (Lutjanus synagris), Biquara (Haemulon spp.) and Cavala (Scombremorus cavalla), due to the lower economic value of the sale of smaller specimens. The period of march 2018 had lower consumption of fish in the community. The proximity to a religious period influenced the consumption of families at this time. Community fishermen catch an average of 11,43 kg of fish daily. The annual production in the community was estimated at 24.337,8 kg and 16.38% of this value is used for consumption in the community. Fish is considered an important source of animal protein for the food base and subsistence of families in the community of Emboaca, as well as an economic resource derived from the sale of this product.