Mariculture farmers and governamental institutions: a case study in São Paulo northern coast

Abstract

The performance of governmental institutions about mariculture sector in the Northern Coast of São Paulo State, Brazil, was evaluated as the perception of local producers. Direct and semi-structured interviews were conducted with farmers for an evaluation of: 1. activities and services available for producers; 2. performance of public institutions responsible for the management of mariculture; 3. control and inspection activities; 4. research and education initiatives. Overall, the lack of articulation among governmental institutions responsible for management and control of aquaculture was evidenced, fact that has been responsible for the increase of efforts among these institutions and for the inefficiency of the management tools in promoting the development of this activity in this region.