Artisanal Shrimp Fishing in Parintins, AM: traditional knowledge, socio-environmental relations and the relevance of the Geographical Indication

Abstract

This article investigates artisanal shrimp fishing in the riverside communities of Brasília and Catispera, in Parintins (Amazonas, Brazil), with a focus on traditional knowledge, fishing practices, socio-environmental relations, and the role of Geographical Indication (GI). The exploratory and descriptive research was conducted between 2023 and 2024 with 20 women fishers, using interviews and direct observation to examine techniques, seasonality, and local dynamics. The results highlight the central role of women in fishing and in passing down knowledge, as well as the positive impacts of the GI, such as cultural appreciation, increased income, and the strengthening of the local economy — with up to a 50% increase in product value, according to the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). Shrimp fishing is revealed as a practice that goes beyond subsistence, integrating culture, environment, and economy. The GI emerges as a strategic tool for sustainability and for recognizing traditional products, contributing to public policies aimed at supporting riverside communities.