Valoração do serviço ecossistêmico de provisão das gramas marinhas associado à produção de pesqueiros

Abstract

Seagrasses are angiosperms that construct submerged meadows in coastal areas, providing various ecosystem functions. They are the habitat for several fish species, offering shelter, food, and optimal conditions for reproduction, significantly contributing to the biomass and abundance of these species. Coastal communities, like those in the Baía de Todos os Santos (BTS), rely on these services for subsistence and household income. This study investigated the relationship between Pesqueiros and seagrass meadows in the BTS, aiming to estimate the value of the ecosystem service of providing resources for fish support provided by seagrasses. Using Google Earth satellite imagery, 661 Pesqueiros were identified in 2023. A total of 10 fish catch monitoring sessions were performed at 5 different sites, aiming to quantify the biomass and abundance of fish as well as identify the presence of seagrasses around the Pesqueiros. It was found that the Mugil spp. genus was predominant, approximately corresponding to 70% of the abundance and 81% of the total biomass. It was estimated that the production of Pesqueiros in 2023 amounted to approximately 146 tons of fish per year, equating to an estimated yield of approximately R$ 1.8 million or US$ 357 thousand for 661 Pesqueiros. Despite the absence of a significant disparity concerning the presence of seagrass within a 50-meter radius around the fishing traps, it is imperative to acknowledge the ecosystemic functions of this habitat for the collective benefit of the region. The ecosystem services provided by seagrass meadows, particularly those related to provisioning, are indispensable for the sustenance of local fishing communities, given that the biomass captured in the fishing traps is intricately influenced by the presence of seagrass.