Environmental conflicts and management of marine resources in the Cassurubá Complex, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The Cassurubá Complex, located in the Abrolhos Bank, has the highest concentration of marine biodiversity in Brazil. This region also concentrates on many uses of natural resources, such as shipping of eucalyptus, tourism, and artisanal fishing. In this scenario of diverse territorial configurations, this study seeks to analyze the environmental conflicts that influence the territoriality of artisanal fishermen in the Cassurubá Complex. Based on participant observation (2017–2020), semi-structured interviews (2019), participatory mapping (2019), and focus groups (2019) were developed with 37 artisanal fishermen. The main conflicts highlighted were those between types of fishing equipment (trawling and gillnets, lobster nets and longline) and between the local population and development projects, including conflicts with the pulp sector and the disruption caused by the collapse of the Fundão dam. These conflicts were systematized and analyzed based on category, actors, scope, and arenas of dispute. The loss of fishing territory was noted in the interviews and the main form of resistance on the part of the local population in the face of disputes over resource use and complaints of environmental degradation happens through social movements. Finally, it is necessary that the analysis of environmental conflicts be taken into account when making decisions on local spatial planning.