Proposals for sustainable development of Pernambuco State fisheries supported by subsides

Abstract

Fisheries in Pernambuco State are predominantly artisanal. Even though, year after year it has been observed reduction of practically all the fisheries stocks explored in the State. Fish demand is not attended by local fisheries, being supplied by external sources. The incidence of ICMS on fishes is regulated by specific legislation. Most of the consumed fishes arrive to the population for high prices, increased by a system of commercialization of many intermediate levels. Few are the incentives directed toward the sector, and when they happen, most are directed for the modernization of the activity. In the present work, viable alternatives of tax incentives were analyzed, aiming to promote alternative solutions for the problems that currently affect artisanal fisheries and to consider the elaboration of a project that integrates ecological, economic and social benefits based on tax incentives. Facing the existing difficulties, among strategic proposals for the sustainable development of the sector, it can be pointed different alternatives of tax incentives to (a) guarantee of the conservation of the catch; (b) exemptions of ICMS; (c) incentives to sustainable aquaculture. Another strategic proposal is the creation of a fund of incentives toward projects that result in implementation of sustainable fishery, such as delimitation of zones of exclusion of fisheries and artificial reef installation, technologies of selective fisheries and execution of projects of fishing extension with environmental education among the communities. Financial investments are not enough, being necessary also a participatory fisheries management in the State, which is an essential factor for its sustainable development success.