Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
There were no significant variations in the listed sale prices of dolphins or their parts, in
the port of Vigia, during the two phases of the project. Small animals were used as bait and
sold for between 5.00 and 10.00 R$ (Brazilian Reais). Large animals fetched higher prices
(15.00 to 20.00 R$). Genital (1.00 to 3.00 R) complete jaws (2.00 to 5.00 R), teeth (0.30 R
each), and eyes (1.00 to 3.00 each) each had listed market prices. Other, un-sold body parts
were used for fat and milk.
Fishermen do not normally bring dead dolphins to the port for fear of the ―panema‖ (bad
luck) and a low return for such service. Dolphins also occupy needed cargo space for at least,
four medium size ―pescadas amarelas‖ (
Cynoscion acoupa
), a medium size fish of greater
commercial value (5kg/each). In the best of the
situations the fisherman earns R$ 30.00 with
the sale of one dolphin; while on average he earns R$ 2.00 per kg of pescada (first phase of
the project) up to R$ 6.00 (second phase of the project). In other words, for four pescadas, the
fisherman would earn R$ 40.00 to R$120.00. Besides the low profit for the sale of dolphins or
their parts, nets are destroyed when dolphins are caught, and fishermen have to stop fishing
due to the loss of their net.
The top economic positions of the artisan fishery are held by local intermediate men.
They finance the trips, boat construction, repairs and reforms of the boats or the nets, and buy
the fish. They facilitate the fishermen in making the transition to production, through the
purchase of supply materials, fishing instruments or even providing money. When a producer
lacks capital, they address the local mercantile leadership because they are more directly
linked to the market. Soon afterwards it is the owner of the boat and nets that is usually in
debt with the fishing boss and does not have money for the trip expenses. After payment of
the trip expenses the owner of the boat receives 50% of the fish sale profit. Then the person in
charge of the vessel; the trusted individual with fishery experience, receives 30% of the
previous balance. The gelador (the person who is responsible for freezing), who is in charge
with the disposition of the fish in the cargo-hold and is also an experienced person, receives
30% of the remaining profit monies. Finally, the fishermen divide the remaining balance in
equal portions amongst themselves.
After the trip, the net has to be repaired, the motor serviced, and the boat painted or
repaired. A series of unexpected situations can quickly lead to the fishermen having debts.
For example they assume debt to the boat owner when they borrow monies for support of
their families and houses. Such debts prevent the fishermen from having better economical
status.
Historically, when dolphins were caught in times of regular or poor fishing, the fishermen
would take advantage of the situation and remove parts of the animals and sell them.
Nowadays the dolphin market has been decreasing because of the IBAMA surveillance, and
therefore, the distribution of dolphin parts in the Ver-O-Peso market in Belém has sharply
reduced. This is not true in all cases where intermediate men (one-two individuals) have
increased the price of dolphin parts 200%, especially eyes and genital. The teeth are usually
purchased by artisans.
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