ANÁLISE DE DESEMPENHO DA PESCA MANEJADA EM UNIDADES DE CONSERVAÇÃO ESTADUAL E EM ÁREAS DE ACORDOS DE PESCA NO AMAZONAS

Abstract

Participatory management of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) is a strategy for conserving the species and generating income for fishing families. Management systems in Conservation Units have more robust legal support and greater government support for inspection and monitoring. In contrast, management systems in areas designated as Fishing Agreements face challenges related to coordination and inspection, due to the lack of structure and resources from the State. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to analyze the performance of managed pirarucu fishing, comparing fishing effectiveness, productivity and economic efficiency between Conservation Units and Fishing Agreements in the Amazon. The legislation that regulates this activity in the state was also explored, focusing on Pirarucu Management Systems located in Conservation Units (UC) and in areas of Fishing Agreements outside UC, whose implementation occurred between 2010 and 2012. The research was based on documentary sources provided by the State Secretariat for the Environment (SEMA), which cover the period from 2018 to 2023. The results indicated that the performance of the management areas was similar, with most areas presenting a Fishing Effectiveness Index (IEP) between "good" and "excellent" (above 0.6), with no significant differences between the two categories. Productivity ranged from 12.38 to 93.16 kg/fisherman/day, in the State Conservation Units and Fishing Agreements, respectively. The fishing agreement areas showed higher productivity than the conservation units, possibly influenced by factors such as fishing in shorter periods or the combined use of different equipment. Regarding economic performance, the highest cost identified was fuel, a reflection of the high spending of communities on monitoring and surveillance of the management areas. Despite these costs, all management areas showed positive revenues. The net income of fishermen varied between R$700.00 and R$5,000.00, both in state conservation units and in fishing agreements, indicating a limitation in profitability and suggesting that, despite the efforts, individual earnings often do not compensate for the time and work dedicated to the activity. Regarding legislation, it was observed that, although the management regime and protocol are based on traditional knowledge, it still presents gaps, especially in relation to monitoring activities. It was also noted that public policies for economic subsidies have been essential to improving the income of families involved in fishing, although only two areas studied were able to obtain these benefits, due to a lack of knowledge about the necessary procedures and difficulties in gathering the required documentation. In general, it is concluded that, regardless of the management system, whether in State Conservation Units or in Fishing Agreements, the performance of pirarucu fishing under management regimes has been similar, with no significant differences between the two contexts, demonstrating the commitment of management groups to continue the activity, even in the face of the challenges faced.