PARTICIPATORY REGULATION OF ARTISANAL FISHING WITH FLOATING SEINS
Artisanal fishing method using floating netting gear, consisting of a fish capture technology that confines fish that live in schools and have migratory habits, so that they remain alive inside the nets, allowing the selection of individuals to be collected. The action by Fiocruz and FCT aims to guarantee legal security to artisanal fishermen who use this technology through the exchange of experiences and support for the participatory construction of a legal system that recognizes the practice traditionally carried out.
PROBLEM SOLVED
Floating nets were incorporated by artisanal fishermen from the 1920s onwards, and are now used throughout the coastal region of Bocaina. This technology allows artisanal fishermen to target specific species, which helps to reduce incidental catches and protect populations of juvenile fish and endangered species. Despite its cultural, social, environmental and economic relevance, the practice has not yet been recognized and/or regulated by the legal framework, which would allow, for example, that other activities authorized by the State do not overlap with the marine territory used by artisanal fishing, or that it could be certified, which would add value to the products.
SOLUTION ADOPTED
Creation of an Interinstitutional Working Group (GT) involving FCT, OTSS, FIPERJ, APA Marinha do Litoral Norte de SP, Federal Superintendence of MPA/RJ and fishermen and fisherwomen of floating seines to define strategies for mobilization and participatory construction of regulations that recognize the activity, with the realization of sharing, technical visits and institutional meetings, as well as complementing of pre-existing diagnoses. In addition, community efforts will be carried out to promote and rescue this practice, aiming to contribute to the permanence of fishermen and artisanal fishermen in the sea and to the safeguarding of traditional culture.
RESULT ACHIEVED
The participatory construction of a specific legal framework for fishing using floating nets promotes a sense of community belonging, the strengthening of traditional cultures and the generation of work and income, renewing the capacity to fight and defend traditional territories and habitations.