Panorama da aquicultura familiar na região do baixo São Francisco, Sergipe

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize aquaculture in family farming in the Lower São Francisco Sergipe, analyzing production systems, family income and socio- environmental aspects. The work was done in the municipalities belonging to the Lower São Francisco Sergipe (Propriá, Pacatuba, Brejo Grande and Ilha das Flores). The production data were obtained from a field survey through semi-structured interviews allowing the identification of variations in family farmers profiles and productive aquaculture systems in the municipalities studied, systematize information on revenues generated in the research production units and economic analysis of production systems that are directly involved with the agents, inside and outside of the productive unit, but also study the socio-environmental aspects of the activities developed in the selected screen area. Family farmers were identified as: exclusive family fish farmer, family fish farmer pluriactive with artisanal fishing, family fish farmer pluriactive with agriculture, family fish farmer pluriactive with pension, family fish farmer pluriactive with salary and pluriactive family fish farmer with commerce. In Propriá and Brejo Grande, fish farmers use excavated nursery grounds for fish and marine shrimp, respectively. In Pacatuba natural lagoons are used for fish farming extensively. In Ilha das Flores, the tank-net system has been promoted by local associations, which work in informal cooperative arrangements. The detailed characterization of profiles of family farmers and aquaculture production systems provided obtain a set of important information to the proper planning of future development actions and strengthening this important sector of the family economy in the state of Sergipe, because each system has its distinctive features. Because of the peculiarities of each family system, the results of the economic analysis showed that the aquaculture activity in the region appears to be profitable, however, it was noted that for the achievement of making viable as the only aquaculture economic activity of a family in the area, there must be improvements in various industries. In Propriá, products from the activity are released directly into the river without any treatment, impacting the aquatic environment. In the municipality of Brejo Grande, the predominant ecosystem is the mangrove, this is used for shrimp farming. Most Pacatuba properties develop aquaculture in ponds next to the dunes, 4 where the main impact of aquaculture in the study area is the introduction of exotic species, such as the tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. In Flores Island, the waste generated from aquaculture are released directly into the environment, increasing the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the river water, facilitating the growth of organisms. It is important to have a knowledge of ecosystems to deal with environmental issues with local communities, government and research institutions in order to seek sustainable solutions to the economic use of these ecosystems.