Question

Please fill up Types of Vulnerabilities of Small-scale Fisheries in (Brazil):
1-Change in fishery species habitat?
2-Depletion and fluctuation of resources?
3-Climatic hazards and extreme events?
4-Pollution
5-Disease exposure and health issues?
6-Assets and income poverty?
7-Diversification and income dependency

Answer 1

1.In many countries exploitation of inshore waters is amplified by the incursions of industrial trawler fleets and habitat destruction and pollution may pose an even bigger threat. Governmental fisheries policy (subsidies, technology schemes), constitutional provisions of open access for all citizens, and broader economic developments have all contributed to the increased environmental problems. As such, small-scale fishers and their fishing grounds are also among the casualties of development and degradation, rather than the perpetrators.

2.While the subsidies received by large-scale industrial fleets – against which
small-scale operators often compete for coastal resources and fishing grounds – are without doubt adversely affecting these small-scale operators, the impacts of the subsidies received directly by these small-scale operators are more complex to assess. Some of these may contribute to global overall fisheries overcapacity, but others may be instrumental in supporting small-scale operators during harsh periods.

3. Fishers are a particularly vulnerable population, chronically exposed to many stresses, injuries and health conditions directly linked to their fishing activities. Fishers are also exposed to chemicals involved in boat and gear maintenance and use. These include several carcinogenic chemicals present in gasoline and diesel exhaust fumes such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, xylene, toluene, etc.

4. Fishers suffer from environmental,social, economic, and political pressures which includes climatic change and environmental degradation. These factors are extremely significant, as they directly affect fish populations, which are the usually the only source of income for this group.In addition, this group is also exposed to many stresses, injuries and health conditions directly linked to their fishing activities, such as musculoskeletal stress, acute injuries and chemical exposure (mentioned in 3rd answer)

5. Ill health:
• Illness (epidemic
including HIV-AIDS,
water-borne disease)
• Injury

Demographic Risks-

1. Old age

2. Disability

3. Death

6. Poverty-
1.Unemployment
2. Loss of fishing equipment
3. Lack of access to other
livelihoods