Fisheries laws applied to coastal zone: the case of Bay of Guanabara, RJ, Brazil

Abstract

The Bay of Guanabara is an estuarine environment recognized as an important fishing pole for the state of Rio de Janeiro, with undisputed social and economic value. This study aims to analyze and pinpoint whether the Brazilian legislation has measures that correspond to a sustainable ordering of fishing activity in this coastal ecosystem and its fishery resources, and, if not, indicate necessary changes to make it suitable to the application of these legal norms. The survey and analysis of legal standards were performed between August 2010 and June 2011, using two themes: (I) Protection of the Coastal Zone and (ii) Fishing management. The survey of fisheries legislation applied to Guanabara Bay resulted in 214 legal standards, divided between the axes I and II in 60% and 40% respectively. Differences or lack of management measures were caused by problems with the writing or the official coverage of legal standards, some fish stocks had being harmed by these failures further aggravating the species that was overexploited and vulnerable to extinction. It was concluded that the legislation analyzed contemplates fishing in Bay of Guanabara, but an adaptation of the existing legal rules is necessary in view new species, conceptualizing the term inland waters and adopting other definitions given by the National Policy for the Sustainable Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries.