The category of Brazilian artisanal fishermen approved this Saturday (6), in Brasilia, the 1st National Plan of the Artisanal Fisherman, which prioritizes the defense of the Bill (PL) 131 of 2020. The proposal that provides for the demarcation of the traditional territories of artisanal fishing. In all, 2 million workers live on the activity in the country – 50% of them in the Northeast, and 30% in the north.
“Without territory, there is no life. With the trial of this PL, we can delimit the fishing territories and toast the present and future generations with these territories, recognizing that the fishing territory is the land, the sea, the fields and the cultural manifestations,” explained the fisherman and coordinator of the National Artisan Fishing Forum, Ana Flávia Pinto.
About 150 delegates representing fishing communities across the country approved the 1st National Plan of Artisanal Fishermen, which should guide, in the next 10 years, public policies for the category. In all, about 650 representatives of the category participated in the construction of the Plan, initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA).
The fisherman Ana Flávia told Brazil agency what The main problem of the category is the advancement of enterprises on the traditional territories of these communities. Therefore, there is a need to recognize these territories.
“Sometimes the community has documentation, but cannot fish. The issue of real estate speculation, large enterprises, not only oil and gas, but hydroelectric dams and wind energy, which is still a false solution for fishing communities,” said the representative of Brazil’s fishermen and fishermen in Brazil (MPP).
PL 131/2020 provides that traditional fishing communities are guaranteed “preferential access to natural resources and their permanent enjoyment, as well as prior and informed consultation with plans and decisions that somehow affect their way of life and territory management”.
Ana Flávia Pinto, coordinator of the National Forum of Artisanal Fishing (Yellow T -Shirt) celebrates approval Photo: Felipe Araújo.
National plan
The National Plenary of Artisanal Fishermen held this week, in Brasilia, is the last stage of a process carried out by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA) to create the 1st National Plan of Public Policy for Category.
The document produced must guide the Artisanal Fishing Peoples Programcreated by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva still in January 2023.
“This is a historic moment for us from the Pesqueira community. This national artisanal fishing plan is a defense, struggle instrument that you have to ensure that, in fact, these public policies reach the tip, so we can charge,” said Ana Flávia, a fisherman of the municipality of Ubatuba (SP).
National Secretary of Artisanal Fishing, Cristiano Ramalho, told the Brazil agency That the government will support the initiative to demarcate these territories, as requested by the category.
“There is no still government policy that recognizes the traditional territories of artisanal fishing, as exists with the quilombola populations and indigenous peoples. So there is a request for this recognition to be also,” he explained.
“It is necessary for Brazilian society to know that this category is fundamental for food security and has a wonderful cultural heritage. The people of artisanal fishing are still fundamental to combat climate emergency,” said Secretary Cristiano.
Insurance
Fisherman’s leaders also ask for changes to the new rules created by the Provisional Measure 1303 of 2025which provides for more rigid rules for access to defense insurance, paid assistance to fishermen during the period of fish reproduction.
Among the news, which are valid in Octoberis the requirement to submit fish sales invoices, proof of social security contribution, provide address of the residence, and have to submit monthly reports of the activity.
“Every fish I sell having invoice is very difficult for artisanal fishing, especially with most of the fishing community that, having all traditional knowledge, has difficulty studying, reading, in these processes,” said Ana Flávia.
The lead said it is in dialogue with the authorities to try to adjust the rules through infralegal regulation.
“We are in dialogue the minister [André de Paula] In order to be able to, before he becomes a decree, actually adapt with reality, not to fall again in a trap, ”he added.
The national secretary of artisanal fishing said that the ministry will take the demands of the category to the “center of government” and defended the need for stricter rules to combat fraud.
“Adjustments are being made in dialogue with fishing communities. But I think this government initiative against fraud is important, because we guarantee rights,” he argued.
Other policies
The 1st National Plan of Artisanal Fishermen in the country also provides projects for differentiated and popular education in tractional communities; specific public health measures for these communities; Support for community -based tourism; Actions to create structures that add value to artisanal fish, among others.
At the opening of the national plenary, earlier this week, an agreement was signed for the Young Artisanal Fishing Scientist Programwhich aims to create more 800 scholarships for young people from artisanal fishing communities in Brazil.
Secretary Cristiano Ramalho also anticipated that the folder is in dialogue with the Ministry of Health to launch a first health program for water peoples in early 2026.
“Another topic under discussion is the permanent appreciation of fisheries women, whether with credit policies and support to the productive organizations they have in the territories,” he said.
