Amapá registers over 28,000 artisanal fishermen, national data reveals
The state of Amapá has 28,757 registered artisanal fishermen and fisherwomen, according to the Unified Panel of the General Registry of Fishing Activities (RGP). This figure is part of a broader survey of the Legal Amazon region, which compiles public data on fishing activities across nine states. While Amapá's number is significant, it is lower than that of Pará, which has 432,353 registered fishers, and Maranhão, with 337,044. However, Amapá surpasses states like Roraima (9,888) and Tocantins (9,453) in its registered artisanal fishing population. Other states in the Legal Amazon region include Amazonas with 147,295, Acre with 21,343, Mato Grosso with 17,909, and Rondônia with 12,195. Artisanal fishing serves as a crucial source of livelihood for numerous families in Amapá. Beyond providing income, the activity preserves cultural traditions tied to the region's rivers and seas, which are vital for both the local economy and food security.
The data highlights the significant role of artisanal fishing in the socio-economic fabric of the Legal Amazon, particularly in Amapá. While Pará and Maranhão show substantially higher numbers, Amapá's registered population indicates a substantial community reliant on this sector. Future policy considerations might focus on ensuring equitable resource management and economic support structures for these artisanal fishing communities, especially in light of potential environmental changes affecting aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the demographic distribution and economic impact of artisanal fishing is crucial for sustainable development strategies in the region.
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