Contribuições dos pescadores ao processo de cogestão pesqueira na Reserva Extrativista Marinha do Corumbau, Brasil

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyze the potential use of fisher knowledge in the construction of fisheries co-management at the Marine Extractive Reserve of Corumbau (MERC), Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were applied to 222 fishers by means of a questionnaire. The occurrence of Shifting Baseline Syndrome was observed in the fishing of the reef species Lutjanus synagris, with older fishers indicating to higher past catch means compared to that reported by younger fishers. This fact enables or establishes an initial goal to be achieved by the contribution of future local fishery research actions. Only 22.5% of the respondents, usually the youngest, pointed to the need to establish specific management rules for the species. Although they do not conduct dive fishing using compressors and strongly oppose this practice, MERC fishermen were shown to display knowledge about this practice. They, thus, blame this as being one of the main reasons for the declines observed in the local fishing income. They indicated that, prior to the establishment of MERC, outside vessels frequently used compressors in their territory. However, although the presence of foreign fishermen is currently less frequent, they report that furtive entry into the MERC is still observed and complain that maritime environmental enforcement actions are rare. Most participants (59.8%) knew of the existence of Ordinance 445, which comprises the list of endangered and moratorium fish species in Brazil, mainly through informal conversations with co-workers and attended meetings. Most (74.3%) cited three or less common names of species they believed to be under moratorium. The fishers have pointed out a means of 2.3 names of ethnospecies listed as threatened and complain that the government has not adequately fulfilled its role in elucidating information regarding the list. Most participants (69.6%) point to holding presentations and explanatory lectures at meetings as an effective means of information elucidation. However, it is Brazil's duty to develop mechanisms for Ordinance 445 to collaborate for environmental conservation in line with the socioeconomic and cultural safety of Brazilian fishers. When asked about MERC effectiveness, most respondents (n = 158; 79.8%) noticed changes in their quality of life. In this sense, 275 ways were pointed out by which changes occurred, with and 271 (98.5%) revealing a positive change in beneficiary quality of life. Most (N = 176; 88.9%) fishers understand that there have been changes in the environment after MERC implementation. When asked how they perceived these changes, 242 reasons were reported, all denoting positive changes. Nevertheless, most respondents (n = 139; 70.2%) revealed that some current situations are in place that should not occur, as they affect MERC fishing. Regarding these situations, 233 opinions were issued, and the persistence of boat invasion from other MERC regions were noteworthy (n = 70; 30%). This fact demonstrates that despite fisher knowledge allowing for the establishment of fisheries co-management, it is essential that the public power adequately fulfill its part in this agreement.