Fish waste composting technique acceptance by fishermen on the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul: a study case

Abstract

Composting can be an alternative for the treatment of waste from small-scale fishing, family aquaculture and fishmongers since it requires low implementation costs, is easy to execute and control, as well as generating products with potential use in the pro perty. This case study describes the acceptance of composting technique of fish waste by artisanal fishers in the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul, as well as backward indications procedures that can improve the adoption of the technique. The study fishermen associated with the Union of Fishermen and Aquaculture of Maquiné city through participation in the technical meeting. A semi-structured interview and weekly visits were made over three months to fishers who felt motivated to start composting. The composting process was monitored, and the factors that caused the technique to be adopted or abandoned as routine solid waste management were observed. Of the 20 training participants, only six were ready to answer the questionnaire. The malodour was the main obstacle to the adoption of the technique by fishers. For the composting procedure to be accepted and practiced there is a need for individual and constant follow-up on the part of those in charge of technical assistance, as well as the indication of the benefits and personalized adjustments in the management of the composting.