The replacement of traditional capture techniques of caranguejo-uçá crabs (Ucides cordatus) by the redinha (little-net technique) in the Mamanguape River Estuary, Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

Two traditional fishing communities situated
on the margins of the Mamanguape River estuary-mangrove complex, Paraiba State, Brazil, were studied to determine the
motivations for their rapid transition from traditional harvesting techniques (braceamento and tapamento) to redinha
(little-net) trapping. Our results indicate that the crab harvesters were prompted into changing their techniques primarily
due to higher production rates with redinha. Additionally, there were disadvantages in using both the braceamento and
tapamento techniques (including greater chances of accidents and acquiring diseases) that reinforced this transition. The
behavioral characteristic of the crabs living in denser gallery forest specifically hindered capture using the braceamento
technique. This fast transition of harvesting techniques is a major concern from a conservation standpoint as the redinha
causes environmental impacts and threatens both the mangrove ecosystem and the populations of caranguejo-uçá crabs
(Ucides cordatus). Thus this study examined a problem that is both environmental and social, as traditional techniques
were less profitable than the new harvesting method but had much less impact – while the redinha helps with crab
harvesting and increases income at the cost of higher environmental impacts.