ASPECTOS SOCIAIS, ECONÔMICOS E AMBIENTAIS DA PESCA ARTESANAL EM LUIS ALVES DO ARAGUAIA-GOIÁS.

Abstract

The artisanal fishing activity practiced in the village of Luiz Alves is essential for a population of about 300 fishermen directly linked to the practice of fishing, and regional tourism. Due to legal restrictions quota and commerce fishing in the state of Goiás, the fisherman needs to develop new ways to improve family income using the resources of the river. Thus, this study aimed to understand the dynamics of the fishing activity conducted by fishermen from the town of Luiz Alves, via a socio-economic and environmental systematic profile survey of the fisherman and live bait fishing practices in order to subsidize managements and planning proposals, and contribute to a sustainable management of the natural resources of the river. We interviewed 88 fishermen residing in the town of Luiz Alves who were willing to participate. The results demonstrate the social economic and environmental importance of fishing not only as a source of protein in nourishment, but also as a way of interaction between fishing activities and tourism, as an employment alternative, and as a source of income and survival throughout the year for the fishermen of the region. In addition to the subsistence fishing, the fishermen also consider the activity of Fishing Guide as a professional one, being it a means to contribute to their annual income. During this study conflicts were observed between the fishermen and the environmental legislation, such as places of fishing, fishing equipment to get bait (fishing net), catching and commercialization of protected fish. A consensus is observed among the fishermen that the maintenance of the ecosystem integrity of the Araguaia River is fundamental to any initiative aimed at its exploration. The fisherman has the perception that the development of fishery should be conducted in substantives bases, such as: the interest shown in promoting joint actions with managing organizations; the development of legal work experience; encouragement of sport fishing; preservation breeding, that is, producing bait to feed the rivers if necessary so that it might meet the demands of sport fishermen, reducing the pressure of fish stocks beyond the adoption of zero quota for transport. The results suggest that conserving fish stocks and developing sustainable use of the resource should not be an assignment just for the fishermen, but a partnership with the society should be developed, involving the community, governmental and non-governmental organizations and other actors in order to promote and execute a Management Plan to the Area of Environmental Preservation of the Araguaia River Meanders.