Characterization of the catching activities of intertidal organisms, on beach-rocks of Ceará State, Brazil

Abstract

Fishing methods of intertidal organisms living on beach-rocks of Caponga, Iparana, and Meireles counties (Ceará  State) were characterized. The beaches were visited on days of low spring tides from September, 2005 to March, 2006. At  each beach, twelve fishermen were interviewed and answered a survey which consisted of questions concerning fishing  time, captured species, equipments used, importance of fishing; and the fishermen’s perception towards pollution and  tourism interference, and changes on the quantity of animals over time of the year. The amount of species captured differed  among the beaches, being fish the most sought-after organisms. The use of line-and- hook fishing gears were predominant  at the three beaches. The main bait was shrimp and the best fishing periods were related to tidal variation. The specimens  served mainly as a food source for the fishermen, who had other activities as main income source. Predatory fishing  was mentioned as the main cause for the year-to-year decrease in the commercial catch. Pollution and tourism were not  equally observed by the interviewers. The richness of species observed on the reefs mainly consisted of juvenile organisms,  being necessary to protect such sites for reproduction and shelter as to get sustainability for future generations.