Management of the activity of small scale brown mussel culture in the traditional community of Pontal de Leste, at Cardoso Island, Cananéia-SP

Abstract

This study aimed to manage the small scale mussel culture in the traditional community of Pontal de Leste, through the evaluation of the support capacity of the Tapera Mount rocky shore, in Marujá, at Cardoso Island State Park, in Cananéia, SP, with the purpose of supply seeds of brown mussel, Perna perna. A digital curvimeter and a GPS were used to measure the area occupied by brown mussels in the whole extension of the rocky shore. The stock of mussels was estimated as 12,603,371 individuals in that area, which would support the production of 26 long lines and increase the income of the involved communities in about R$ 52,500.00/year (US$ 23,000.00/year). The correct management of the extractive activity will allow the conservation of the natural beds. This will benefit the communities of extractors and the artisan fishers that extract mussels to complement their income.