Conflitos Socioambientais entre pescadores em região de manejo comunitário na porção do baixo Rio Solimões - Amazonas

Abstract

Fishing in the Amazon is one of the main income-generating and employment-generating activities, with fish being the main food source for the populations living on the banks of rivers and lakes. The main types of fishing are subsistence and commercial fishing. Floodplains are the main fishing and housing areas for riverside communities, and conflicts between commercial fishermen and riverside communities are common. Fishing agreements have emerged as a strategy to conserve fish stocks and mitigate conflicts. However, the causes of conflicts, such as invasion of lakes by outside fishermen and theft of boats and gear, remain latent, which causes insecurity among riverside communities. This study aimed to characterize socio-environmental conflicts on Paciência Island, Iranduba, Amazonas, a region that has a fishing agreement aimed at community management of the pirarucu (Arapaima gigas). Data collection was carried out using semi-structured forms with three groups of fishermen who fish on and around the island. Regarding the level of satisfaction with the fishing agreement, it was identified that age and length of fishing activity negatively influence satisfaction with the agreement, i.e., older fishermen and those with more time in fishing tend to be dissatisfied with the agreement. Five categories of conflicts were identified, with conflicts between outside fishermen and riverside managers being the most mentioned. In conclusion, conflicts related to fishing activity on Paciência Island reflect the complex dynamics of interaction between the various groups of fishermen. The predominance of conflicts between outside fishermen and riverside managers highlights the need for more effective management and monitoring measures, as well as conciliation strategies that promote the sustainability of fishing resources and the safety of local communities. This study contributes to the understanding of socio-environmental tensions in the region and offers valuable insights for the formulation of public policies aimed at mitigating conflicts and promoting sustainable management practices.