Fishery survey and socio-economic profile of professional artisanal fishermen in Billings reservoir

Abstract

A study focusing on the social, economic and structural aspects of the fishery was made on artisanal fishing communities of Billings Reservoir, SP, from January to August/2005. The fishing communities were identified and a socioeconomic and technologic questionnaire was applied. Nine main fishing communities were identified, 52 (46.0%) fishers were interviewed, and 113 fishers were estimated to be regularly active. Most of them were male (77.0%), however the female participation was expressive (23.0%). The average age and the activity time in the profession were, respectively, 38 + 11 and 13 + 9 years old. Only 26.7% stated to be under 30 years old and 81.3% had less than 20 years in the activity. The education level was low: 70,2% did not complet fundamental school, unlike observed for the fishermen children, whose education level was higher than their parents. Fishery was not exclusively practiced by 67.3% of them, having other activities. Gillnet was the most used fishing gear and the catch focused on eight species group, mainly Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (33.9%), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) (19.3%) and acará (Geophagus brasiliensis) (15.6%). The CPUE ranged from 3 to 45 kg fisherman^-1 day^-1, being 69.0% fished below 20 kg day^-1 and 31.0%, above 30 kg day^-1, suggesting heterogeneity in fishermen income. Such differences may be related to the strategies employed, including, the use or not of engine, the experience of fishermen, the fishing ground frequented and season.