Production and socioeconomics of the artisanal fishing of the sea-bob shrimp in northern Rio de Janeiro State

Abstract

The aims of the present study was to describe the production of the sea-bob shrimp, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862), and the socio-economic profile of the fishermen from Atafona fishing harbor (21°37’S, 41°00’W), in northern Rio de Janeiro state. Data were collected monthly between August 2010 and July 2012 from the bottom trawl fleet that operates in the region. The monthly catch-per unit-effort (CPUE) ranged from 5.9 to 19.1 kg h^-1, the total estimated production ranged from 8.3 to 95.1 t month^-1 and the ratio between the target species and by catch (fish and brachyuran crustaceans, mainly) ranged from 0.6:1.0 and 2.7:1.0. The socio-economic survey indicated that this fishing activity is performed by male professionals between 23 and 76 years, and that 57% of them have incomplete Elementary Education level. The average monthly income was R$ 1,160.00. Most fishermen (97%) have documentation for professional activity. Among the issues reported by local fishermen, the most important was the siltation of the Paraí­­ba do Sul River, which hinders the navigation from landing port to fishing grounds. The main demand of the local fishermen was a cooperative to sale the fishery production and/or an increase in the sale competition. Thus, instruction and training of fishermen to organize cooperatives and incentive for by catch economic use are measures that can enhance the economic returns from this fishing activity.