Fisshing tourismo en Mato Grosso (Brazil): a socio-environmental analysis

Abstract

The dynamics of fishing in Mato Grosso (Brazil) has been changing over the years, as a result of new social demands, environmental changes and anthropic actions. Thus, this work aimed to carry out a socio-environmental analysis of fishing tourism in Mato Grosso, taking into account the perception of users regarding the situation of fish stocks, the relationship with professional fishing and the potential of recreational fishing, in relation to environmental conservation and guaranteeing employment and income for riverside communities. Data were obtained through documentary and bibliographic research and interviewed 78 artisanal fishermen and 21 fishing tourism drivers, considered as the main actors in the fishing tourism chain. The tendency of artisanal fishermen to become conductors of fishing tourism and/or act as lighters motivated by greater financial gains and better working conditions was identified. Bait fishing occurs in all regions of the state, however, Barão do Melgaço, Cáceres, Poconé and Cuiabá are the most representative cities. The accommodation sector has a high employability rate, estimating that for each fishing tourist, 0.8 to 1.8 direct jobs are absorbed. The scientific community has been warning about the decrease in fish stocks as a result of illegal, predatory fishing and overfishing in Mato Grosso. In addition, a conflict was observed between artisanal fishing and a type of service to recreational fishers, locally called a “tablado”, which attracts tourists from nearby regions and, in many cases, practice the activity on the same day, without the need for accommodation and local services. Since artisanal fishing is no longer able to economically supply its users, forcing them to leave for other activities that complement the family income, fishing tourism is a viable economic alternative capable of maintaining the important features of fishing culture in its practice, for many artisanal fishermen, since the best fishing guides are those who apply their knowledge about the environment and fish. If practiced in an orderly manner, it can contribute to the conservation and restoration of fish stocks, based on actions for the conservation of fishery resources and sustainability, treated in an integrated manner between the sectors involved. Recreational fishing, associated with fishing tourism, must be constantly analyzed, monitored and technically discussed, so that new public development policies, with clear and defined objectives, are created.