Pesca esportiva no médio Rio Negro, Amazonas: diretrizes para a sustentabilidade

Abstract

Recreational fishing is a growing activity in the Brazilian Amazon, with particular emphasis on the Middle Negro River region, which is recognized nationally and internationally as a prime destination for this practice. However, the lack of scientific information regarding its sustainability poses challenges for effective management. This thesis aimed to assess the sustainability of recreational fishing in the Middle Negro River in an integrated manner, considering the three pillars of sustainability: ecological, economic, and social. Chapter I presents a systematic literature review, revealing that most studies on recreational fishing are focused on ecological aspects, with significant gaps in the economic and social dimensions, especially in the Northern region. In Chapter II, estimates based on the Travel Cost Method indicated that the annual recreational value of the activity is approximately US$ 49.2 million, with tourists’ willingness to pay positively associated with the size of the fish caught, particularly medium and large-sized peacock bass (Cichla temensis). Chapter III applied the RAPFISH methodology to assess the perceptions of different stakeholder groups regarding the sustainability of the activity, revealing a “less than satisfactory” performance, especially concerning ecological sustainability and management. It is concluded that, despite the economic, social, and ecological relevance of recreational fishing in the region, its sustainability depends on coordinated management actions, continuous monitoring, and the active participation of the various stakeholders involved. It is further recommended that management strategies incorporate guidelines aimed at protecting larger fish, in order to conserve fish stocks and generate long-term benefits for the territory.