Do rio para o prato: socioecologia do consumo de peixe na Amazônia?

Abstract

Fish is an essential resource for the cultural sustainability of communities living near rivers, as it supports nutrition, ensures social reproduction, and contributes to the cultural resilience of these populations. Understanding fish consumption in Amazonian communities is crucial for public health and food security due to the intrinsic relationship between their way of life and this vital food source. This study investigates three factors that may influence fish consumption in Amazonian populations: culture, income, and geographic isolation. Data on fish consumption were gathered through a systematic review covering the period from 1945 to 2023. Traditional communities (riverside, indigenous, and quilombola) consumed, on average, 805 ± 1205 grams (range: 460 - 900), representing three to six times higher consumption than urban communities (F(4,199) = 3.31; p = 0.011). Additionally, the weekly frequency of fish intake was, on average, 23% higher in riverside and indigenous communities (6 ± 1.64, range: 4.61 - 6.39) compared to quilombola and urban communities (F(3,140) = 7.64; p = 9.08e-05). Communities farther from urban centers consumed three to nine times more fish than those located in urban areas (Df = -4; Dev = -50540; p(>chi) = 2.2e^-16), and the frequency of fish intake in these isolated communities was, on average, twice as high as that in urban centers (F(4,139) = 3.11; p = 0.0137). Communities with higher purchasing power consumed, on average, 1.27 to 2.6 times less fish than those with lower purchasing power (Df = -3; Dev = -15674; p = 2.2e^-16) and had a lower frequency of fish consumption, averaging 1.2 to 1.48 times less than lower-income communities (Df = -3; Dev = -13.42; p = 0.0038). Amazonian communities rank among the highest in global fish consumption, surpassing countries such as Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Maldives, where per capita fish intake is approximately 220 grams per day. This highlights the critical role of the Amazon biome in providing food resources. The protection of the Amazon is essential for the survival of local populations and aligns with global objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda, such as achieving zero hunger, ensuring sustainable and nutritious food sources year-round, and preserving life underwater by supporting ecosystem sustainability, resilience, and protection.