Socioeconomic characterization and environmental perception of artisanal fishermen in the municipality of Canguaretama, Rio Grande do Norte- Brazil

Abstract

At present, it is evident the condition of degradation and alteration of the natural assets in which the planet is and the considerable loss of the recovery power inherent to the ecosystems. At the same time, all living beings suffer the consequences of these changes. Thus, the main objective was to verify the socioeconomic profile, the role of the fishermen colony and the environmental perception of shellfish and handcraft fishermen at Canguaretama, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Were identified 420 active fishermen registered in the colony. The methodology used was a script of interviews and semi-structured questionnaires with 71 fishermen, 47% of them in the age group of 51 and 61 years and 76.1% low level of education. It was found that the income of the majority was one less than one minimum wage, of which 31% had income exclusively from fishing. Of the respondents, 61% were born in their community, 59.2% have more than 29 years of profession. Above all, 96% consider the mangrove ecosystem as the main means of survival, 78% attributed the shrimp farming activity, the decline of fishing activity in the region and changes in the local landscape. All respondents were concerned with the preservation and conservation of the local ecosystem, 32% said they do not deforest, 24% monitor and report abuse of the mangrove. It is concluded, therefore, that handcraft fishing no longer fulfills the subsistence function of the fisherman, leading them to look for other alternatives that may complement their income from the activity.