Diagnóstico da comunidade de pescadoras artesanais do Balneário Vila Yara, Altônia - PR

Abstract

This research aims to describe, from the perspective of fisherwomen and supported by the literature, the interferences of engineering projects, conservation units and environmental legislation on the traditional way of life of the artisan fisherwomen community in Balneário Vila Yara, located in Altonia - PR. A descriptive study was developed, using participatory methodologies that gave active voice to the subjects, involving four group dynamics and a semi-structured interview. The community consists of 11 families of artisanal fisherwomen and fishermen, totaling 94 residents, who rely on the sale of fishing baits and unprocessed fish. The community faces challenges including limited access due to the lack of paved roads; difficulty sustaining themselves through fishing alone, because of the decreasing availability of fish stocks attributed to the construction of multiple dams along the Paraná River, in addition to changes in fish reproductive behavior; changes in fishing methods, gear, and permitted species, stemming from the implementation of environmental regulations; and restrictions on fishing areas, as well as prohibitions on camping and food cultivation on the islands of Paraná River, due to the creation of environmental conservation units in the community’s territory. It is concluded that the main interferences in the community’s traditional way of life are environmental laws, which forbid the use of equipment and traditional fishing techniques, and the prohibition of capture species that were previously characteristics of the region. The creation of environment conservation units in the community’s area of influence has resulted in fishing prohibition in certain areas, such as lagoons, and prevented food cultivation on the islands. These reports highlight that the traditional culture and territorial rights of artisan fisherwomen and fishermen of Vila Yara have been neglected by both development projects and public authorities, that leads to the need to develop alternative income-generating strategies for the community.