Some aspects of the artisanal fisheries in the influence area of the Yacyretá dam upper Paraná river, Misiones, Argentina

Abstract

The socioeconomic situation, acquisition, marketing and consumption patterns of the Paraná River subsistence fishermen in the influence area of the Yacyretá Dam, Misiones, Argentina, were analyzed. Sixty fishermen, whose average age was between 50 and 51, were sampled. The activity involves the family members, who learn the skill through home experience. Their education level attained is incomplete primary: 90% use their own six year old average useful life, wooden boats; their fishing kits are gillnets long lines and cast nets; 50% possess fishing license; 42% fish the whole month, 12 hours daily, catching about 3 to 100 kg per month. The monthly earning is 300 pesos argentines and 80% are responsible for looking after 1 to 9 persons; 65% do not sustain their family through fishing, doing other jobs. Fishing's product is the fisher property who sells that not consume and for this fact they could not to consider commercial fishing. The activity learning implies knowledge acquisition through the observation and practice that was incorporated in their cultural heritage.