São Sebastião in Brazil, through the Department of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Supply of the Secretariat of the Environment (SEMAM), engaged in a dialogue with artisanal shrimp trawlers from the São Francisco neighborhood. The meeting was a significant step in understanding the needs and concerns of the sector.

Key Participants in the Discussion

Led by the Secretary of the Environment, Flávio Fernandes de Queiroz, and attended by the director of the Department of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Supply, Simone Monteiro, alongside her team, the meeting saw the active participation of six artisanal fishermen. This collaborative gathering aimed to address various issues, notably focusing on the ongoing shrimp closed season.

The shrimp closed season, in effect from January 28, 2024, to April 30, 2024, was a central topic of discussion. Director Simone Monteiro emphasized the importance of direct engagement with fishermen to grasp their perspectives and develop tailored public policies for the fishing sector. Such interactions foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the industry.

City Hall’s Support Initiatives

São Sebastião’s city hall demonstrates its commitment to promoting artisanal fishing through various support initiatives. Noteworthy efforts include providing refrigerated trucks for ice and fish transportation, subsidizing ice production through the municipal ice factory, and deploying ice-blowing equipment to facilitate direct ice transfer from trucks to vessel holds. These measures streamline operations for fishermen, enhancing efficiency and productivity.