Environmental Infractions and Fines Imposed for Illegal Fishing in the State of Pará, Amazon, Brazil

Abstract

Environmental regulation and the implementation of formal sanctions, including fines, are part of the environmental policy of almost all nations, including Brazil. The Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) is the main environmental body responsible for the supervision of fishing in Brazil. This study aimed to characterize environmental infringements and fines related to illegal fishing in the state of Pará between 2009 and 2016 by means of data interpretation, using the Corporate System of Registration, Collection, and Monitoring of IBAMA, which contains management information on environmental monitoring. A total of 886 notices of infringement against illegal fishing were recorded in Pará, with 2009 having the highest (198) and 2015 the lowest number of notices (42). The main infractions against fishing in the state were for fishing in an unauthorized season or zone and fishing without prior registration, inscription, authorization, license, permit or registration of the competent body, or contrary to obtained permit. According to the notices conducted by IBAMA, fisheries resources have been exploited illegally in estuarine and coastal environments in the state of Pará.