Percepção ambiental em pescadores artesanais sobre o uso e conservação dos recursos pesqueiros nos distritos da Ilha de Moçambique e Mossuril

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze the perceptions that fishermen from the districts of Mossuril and Ilha de Moçambique have about the changes that have been occurring in the availability of fishery resources in their fishing area and the contribution of the exercise of their activity to these changes. For data collection in the two districts, 9 interviews with key informants, 80 individual interviews with fishermen and 4 focus group discussions were carried out. Data analysis was performed using correspondence analysis (CA) which helps to summarize the correlations between variables, their categories and the individuals analyzed. The research indicates that in general, fishermen perceive that the fish stocks of the main commercial species are being depleted and the main cause cited was the use of fishing nets with inadequate mesh sizes, which were identified as responsible for the death of eggs, juveniles and destruction of demersal habitats (benthos). These perceptions were more associated with fishermen whose livelihood depended mainly on fishing, fishermen who used harmful gear, and also those who were native to the study area. These fishermen increased their fishing effort in two ways: 53.8% increased fishing time and 40% increased fishing area in response to the reduction in fish (catch). The perception of older fishermen and those who used selective fishing gear was strongly associated with the perception that management measures imposed by law are not useful, while part-time fishermen had a favorable opinion on the application of fishing restriction periods. About 51% of fishermen agree with the application of management measures imposed in the region; 63% of fishermen consider that the right to decide on the management measures to be applied in the study area should be negotiated between the Government and local fishermen. Friendly conversations were cited as the preferred method for conflict resolution (31.2% of fishermen), followed by resolution at the level of the CCPs (30% of fishermen). Differences in perceptions within groups of fishermen may be one of the drivers of the low legal compliance observed in the area. The results described above show that there is an opportunity to boost compliance with existing legal instruments by intensifying and improving the strategy of socialization programs for these instruments, taking as a starting point the groups of fishermen who showed a predisposition or positive opinion.(TRADUÇAO NOSSA)