Análise da percepção ambiental de piscicultores no sul de Minas Gerais

Abstract

Fish farming has increased in recent years in Brazil, mainly due to the high potential for the produc-tion of a low cost source of protein. The need to achieve sustainable development has led all nati-ons to search for a balance between growth and the protection of natural resources. The objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge of sustainability in fish farming activities in the southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 13 fish farmers from 9 municipalities, namely Aiuruoca, Alfenas, Alterosa, Campanha, Carvalhópolis, Lambari, Machado, Monsenhor Paulo, and Muzambinho par-took of the study. The results showed a high degree of concern of the fish farmers with the envi-ronment and the conservation of the natural resources within the limits of their properties. We veri-fied that fish farmers are aware of the risks of environmental impacts caused by aquaculture produc-tion and try to minimize the negative consequences of their economic exploitation. However, many of the interviewees have demonstrated only the intent and willingness to develop a strategic plan that contemplates effective actions to achieve a sustainable business, reinforcing the need for a grea-ter investment and a more expansive supply of qualified human resources capable of providing bal-ance to the sustainability complex of the fish farming sector.