Dinâmica de pescarias em unidades de conservação do Delta do Parnaíba, nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

In the Conservation Units of Delta do Parnaíba, northeastern Brazil, fishing activities are exclusively handmade, but there is no continuous monitoring of their landings. Thus, the main goal of this research was to monitor fishing landings and characterize the fishings of fishes with most representativeness in the EPA (Environmental Protection Area) and Resex Delta do Parnaíba areas. To carry out this study, six landing points were selected due to economic relevance and local production: (1) Ilha das Canárias, (2) Lagoa Salgada, (3) Morro do Meio, (4) Porto dos Tatus, (5) Pedra do Sal and (6) Luís Correia. Data collection took place daily from July 2018 to June 2019 with 1 monitor for each landing point, and through the application of questionnaires, information such as total production (in kilograms), species, use of fishing devices and total fishing time was obtained. A total of 1,303 landings were monitored, and the gillnet was the most used fishing gear, present in 84% of landings. The total annual fish production recorded was 23,392.25 kg, with an average of 12 kg/landing, and the highest production volume occurred in the rainy season, but showed no significant statistic difference when compared to the dry season. The landing point Pedra do Sal presented the highest production, with ~37% of the total and an average of 13 kg/landing. The most captured species was Macrodon ancylodon, followed by Centropomus undecimalis, Lobotes surinamensis, Cynoscion acoupa, Mugil curema and Lutjanus synagris. Statistical difference between seasons was observed for all species except C. undecimalis. The CPUE (catch per unit of effort) with grouped collection points obtained an average of 0.69 kg/fisherman*h, and presented a positive correlation with production data, mainly in the rainy season. The species C. undecimalis and M. curema were captured with sizes below the usual length of first sexual maturation (L50), generating risk to juveniles born in a place considered nursery. The results of this study generated information on the current scenario of fishings at Delta do Parnaíba, essential to contribute to handling plans, management of local fishings, and sustainability of fishing activity.