The gillnet is frequently used in Amazon commercial and artisanal fishing. The present study aims to verify characteristics of the gill-nets of gillnets found in various Central Amazon subsystems, their use, and compliance with related legal norms. Daily Interviews were made from 1994 to 2004 in Manaus, and from 2001 to 2004 in Manacapuru. The results indicated that the gillnet was responsible for about 14% of the yield landed in Manaus, with a tendency to diminish, but a stable 24,5% in Manacapuru. Modal mesh sizes were 50-60mm in Manaus, but ranged from 20 to 90mm in Manacapuru, and the modal length was 100 m for both. In Manaus this size accounted for about 90% of all gillnets recorded, but in Manacapuru it was less than 50%. The Manaus fleet preferred to exploit the region of Purus (47,8%), while the Manacapuru fleet preferred the Low Solimões (94,3%). The composition of gillnet catches varied during the interviewed years, but 70% of the total was usually made up of tambaqui, aruanã, tucunaré, curimatá, and pirapitinga. Most mesh sizes and lengths were illegal. We concluded that the legal norms for gillnet use should be adapted to fishery characteristics, but also to the socioeconomic and cultural reality of the Amazon.
Artisanal fisheries; Gillnet; Management; Fishery laws; Amazon
