Licensing and Environmental Performance of Aquaculture in Western Amazon

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental performance and environmental licensing of aquaculture in Ariquemes, Rondônia, western Amazon in Brazil. Twenty farmers were interviewed. For data collection, structured interviews were conducted using a questionnaire. Data were organized into three main topics: a) social and legal standards, b) environmental standards, c) food safety and hygiene standards. Data showed that aquaculture in Ariquemes presents two fish production systems: extensive and semi-intensive. Both are characterized by using fish species Tambaqui omnivorous (Colossoma macropomum), Tilapia omnivorous (Oreochromis spp.), and Pirarucu carnivorous (Arapaima gigas). The first 13 properties showed critical environmental performance (less than 30.0%). Six properties had very bad environmental performance (between 30.0 and 50.0%), and one presented appropriate environmental performance (between 50.0 and 70.0%). The environmental performance index showed that aquaculture in northern Rondônia is environmentally unsustainable.