Banca de DEFESA: LEIDINEIA DA SILVA MORAES SANTOS

SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE SPILL OIL AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN US ARTISAN FISHERMEN FROM THREE UNITS CONSERVATION OF BAHIA.

Keywords: Artisanal fishermen, socio-economic impact, oil spill, COVID-19

Introduction: Recently, in August 2019, an environmental disaster occurred on the Brazilian
coast, considered the country's largest incident involving oil. This triggered unprecedented
impacts for the affected areas and people, particularly for artisanal fishermen who had their
work and living environment severely affected with no prospect of recovery. This scenario was
further exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying the socioeconomic
vulnerability of this coastal population. Objective: To assess the socioeconomic impacts of the
oil spill and COVID-19 on artisanal fishing communities in three conservation units in Bahia.
Method: Cross-sectional study, with 947 fishermen and women and shellfish gatherers residing
in three conservation units in Bahia: two Extractive Reserves (Canavieiras and Corumbau) and
one Environmental Protection Area (APA Litoral Norte). Data collection took place between
January and November 2021, through individual interviews using a structured questionnaire
validated by the Delphi method. Descriptive analyses of socioeconomic and occupational
variables were conducted by conservation unit, and the chi-square test to check the association
between income reduction, impact on fishing activity, and sociodemographic variables with
conservation units. Results: There was a significant impact on fish sales during the oil spill and
COVID-19, and a significant decline in fishermen's and shellfish gatherers income, with a loss
of between 50% to 100% of monthly earnings in most cases due to the environmental disaster.
An association was observed between conservation units and income reduction, as well as
between conservation units and variables related to fishing activity (production, sales, demand,
prices, and others for commercial purposes). Conclusion: The data presented demonstrate that
the oil spill in the study areas, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, caused a significant impact
on the socioeconomic conditions of local fishing communities, exacerbating existing
vulnerability. In this context, it is necessary to implement more robust and structured public
policies in fishing communities, aiming to ensure social and economic equity, reducing
exposure and vulnerability to possible future events/disasters. Additionally, it is essential to
strengthen the environmental policies of conservation units, which will ensure the maintenance
and sustainability of traditional peoples, promoting sustainable projects and income generation.