Gestão participativa dos recursos pesqueiros no médio rio Araguaia, Tocantins: acordos de pesca como estratégia de sustentabilidade.

Abstract

This work analyzes the process of implementation of fisheries agreements for the management of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) and other species in the municipalities of Araguacema and Couto Magalhães in the region of the Middle Araguaia River, Legal Amazon, Brazil. Initially, when analyzing the fishing production based on the Z-05 Colony records of Araguacema, between 2015 and 2017, a decline in the average catch per fisherman was identified, where in 2015 it was 102.44 ± 75.52 kg, 86.80 ± 59.81 in 2016, and 67.43 ± 38.95 in 2017. The analysis of the decline in Catch per Effort Unit (CPUE) is an indication of a reduction in fishing stocks in this period. When analyzing the profile of the fisheries and fishermen that make up the Araguacema and Couto Magalhães fisheries agreements, pioneers in the state of Tocantins, from data obtained from 90 questionnaires applied in 2015 and 2016, it was identified that 64.4% are men, and the average age of their members is 44±11 years. 75.6% of the interviewees are from Tocantins. Although the activity is not economically attractive, it has great importance for food security and income composition, where 60% have artisanal fishing as their main economic activity and 86.6% consume the fish at least three times a week. The main fishing gear used is the line and hook, and netting, and the main species caught in the two municipalities are the tucunaré (Cichla spp.), surubim (Pseudoplatystoma punctifer), fidalgo (Ageneiosus ucayalensis), curvina (Plagioscion squamosissimus), and pacus (Metynnis sp.; Myleus sp.; Myloplus sp.; Mylossoma sp.). With the implementation of the fisheries agreements and the start of their activities, including surveillance, an increase of 15% in the pirarucus stock between 2017 and 2018 was observed in the Araguacema fisheries agreement area. In discussing its feasibility as a governance tool for the sustainability of artisanal fisheries, participatory management through the fisheries agreement has proven to be a viable alternative for the management of fisheries resources, considering the participation of all users in the process, the availability of financial resources and legal instruments that give legal security to the process, guaranteeing sustainability in the activity with economic and social importance, especially for food security. The fishing agreements in the region of the Middle Araguaia River are in an environment of intense conflict with the expansion of agribusiness and the increase of tourism, in a peculiar scenario, which can serve as inspiration for other communities with these characteristics.