Treaty on works, agreements, and financial transfers for artisanal fishing and aquaculture in the state of Pará

In 2023, Pará was the state with the highest proportion of households with moderate or severe food insufficiency (20.3%). In the short and medium term, producing good-quality animal protein for domestic supply seems to be a challenge for the state government. Although Artisanal Fishing is one of the main economic activities in Pará, generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs–and having an immense aquaculture potential–the present study found that between 2013 and 2022 there were very few agreements (07) carried out in these two Axes (artisanal fishing and aquaculture) between the state government and city halls, where 06 municipalities of 05 Integration Regions (IR) covered, 02 for holding Festivals (BRL 150,000.00), 02 for Artisanal Fishing (BRL 450,000.00), and 03 for Aquaculture (BRL 1,797,240.49). Although there are many entities linked to these sectors, a very small number of agreements between the government of Pará and entities were also identified: only 08 municipalities of 06 IRs were included, totaling 10 agreements (BRL 1,104,510.00) – almost all with insignificant amounts – except for the municipality of Breves, where BRL 1,000,000.00 was allocated (in 2014) to support the development of production units /groups. Regarding the Works, only aquaculture was encouraged, and in only 03 municipalities (Curuçá, Terra Alta, and Santarém) of 02 IRs (Guamá and Baixo Amazonas). The Fernando Flambot Shrimp Farming Station (municipality of Curuçá) and the Dr. Orion Ribeiro Station (municipality of Terra Alta) were rewarded with expansion and renovation works in 2013; the second station was considered again in 2022 – however, both have not been completed, according to the photographic report, to date (2024 /January 2025). The Santa Rosa Station (Baixo Amazonas IR, municipality of Santarém) was rewarded with works only in 2022. When Artisanal Fishing and Aquaculture have effective control and management by the State to reduce their impacts on the environment, they are more resilient to environmental changes, as they are based on scientific research to ensure that fish are caught and / or farmed sustainably, contributing to reducing carbon emissions by increasing efficiency. Governments of different partisan and ideological backgrounds have senselessly disregarded, to this day, one of their main economic activities (Artisanal Fishing) out of ignorance or prejudice; and they have also disdained Aquaculture as an activity that can effectively contribute to both Food Security and Sovereignty, with an increase in the nutritional levels of the population, the generation of numerous jobs and an increase in business transactions, in addition to contributing significantly to the sustainable development of Pará. In the future, it is possible to consider developing activities focused on carbon sequestration in flooded areas of the State of Pará. This would help strengthen the Artisanal Fishing and Aquaculture sectors as alternative animal protein sources with low GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions while promoting socioeconomic inclusion and sustainability. When properly considered by the government, Artisanal Fishing and Aquaculture show that it is possible to balance environmental and socioeconomic development, thereby protecting both the environment and fishing resources.