International trade of Amazon fish byproducts: Threats and opportunities for coastal livelihoods. (15th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jimenez, Érica Antunes; Leitão Barboza, Roberta Sá; da Silva Garcia, Jamile; Cristina da Silva Correa, Ellen; Amaral, Marilu Teixeira; Frédou, Flávia Lucena
• Is Part Of: Ocean & coastal management. Volume 212(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-15
• Subjects: Fish maw -- Seafood trade -- Fishery resources -- Small-scale fisheries; Marine resources -- Management -- Periodicals; Coastal zone management -- Periodicals; Coastal ecology -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Périodiques; Littoral -- Aménagement -- Périodiques; Écologie littorale -- Périodiques; Coastal ecology; Coastal zone management; Marine resources -- Management; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 551.46
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105812
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-5691

Abstract

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. Highlights: Trends in Brazil's exports of fish byproducts during 2012–2020 were analyzed. Annual export volumes increased from 153.2 t in 2012 to 733.4 t in 2020. China account for 97% of total volumes of fish byproducts exported by Brazil. Amazon states represented 95% of export volumes, and fish maw is the main product. The maw trade includes threatened species, and most fisheries are unmanaged.