International trade of Amazon fish byproducts: Threats and opportunities for coastal livelihoods

Abstract

This study uses Brazil's export data for fish byproducts as a proxy for understanding trends in maw (swim bladder) trade on the Amazon coast. National exports totaled 4657.9 metric tons (t) and USD 163,476,733 from 2012 to 2020, with 21 countries or territories listed as importers and China accounting for 97% of the total volume. Annual export volumes increased from 153.2 t in 2012 to 733.4 t in 2020. Amazon states represented 95.6% of the total export volumes, which increased from 127 t in 2012 to 637 t in 2020, an increase of 398%. Maws are the main fish byproduct exploited in this region. They are considerably more expensive than flesh per unit weight of all 10 species (Sciaenidae and Ariidae) traded, with mean ex-vessel prices varying from 2 to 115 times more than the flesh. The volume of fish that is required to be harvested to produce 1 kg maw (fish:maw ratio) varies between 20 and 70 kg. The maw trade includes threatened species, and most fisheries remain under open access. Given that maw demands are rising, with new species entering the market, regulation measures should be implemented to protect vulnerable fishery resources and sustain the livelihoods of local communities.