Working conditions of fishermen concerns the future of artisanal fishing

Abstract

The present study sought to understand Fishermen's satisfaction with their profession and their socioeconomic conditions. These data were acquired through semi-structured questionnaires in eight locations in the State of Maranhão. Most interviewees were male (94.55%), with an average age of 43.58. Fishermen from some locations point to the loss of fishing materials and difficulty in purchasing new equipment, professional risks, fatigue, lack of safety and reduction in fishing resources as agents that make fishing activities difficult. The income of the majority varies between 1 and 2 minimum wages, and therefore, there are other activities to generate extra income. Furthermore, most interviewees do not want their children to inherit the fishing profession. This reality demonstrates that the difficulties encountered in fishing, which exposes neglect, lead to the devaluation of this profession in many fishing communities in Brazil. Therefore, the data from this study serve to alert public management to take steps to improve working conditions, aiming to perpetuate this profession for future generations, a factor that is essential for food security.