Socioeconomic and labor profile of artisanal fishermen of the pink shrimp in the estuarine complex of Tramandaí­­-RS, Brazil

Abstract

The artisanal fisheries in Brazil have social and economic importance. The aim of the present study was to characterize the profile of artisanal fishermen of the pink shrimp in Tramandaí­­, Brazil. The fishermen were interviewed in the years of 2012 and 2013. The age range between them was 45 to 58 years, with an average of 30 years of occupation. The majority has children, elementary schooling and wishes to continue in the profession. However, 92.3% of them do not want their children to become fishermen. Fishermen work on average 6 hours daily, seven days per week. The capture per week is approximately 104 kg of shrimp (2012), and 61.2 kg (2013). Although they are able to support their families with the fishery, the fishermen are unsatisfied with the profession. The little schooling and the lack of opportunities in other occupations, make that they do not want leave the fisheries.