Frontiers of the unknown: the value chain of meat and fish maw of acoupa weakfish from Amazon continental shelf

Abstract

Acoupa weakfish is one of the most commonly caught species in large-scale artisanal fishing on the Amazon Continental Shelf. In addition to its meat, the swim bladder (fish maw) has high commercial value in the Asian market. This study aimed to analyze the value chain of the acoupa weakfish and its relationship with the national and international markets, as well as the socioeconomic impacts on the stakeholders involved in fishing. Interviews using semi-structured questionnaires were conducted between 2023 and 2024 in the municipalities of Belém, Vigia, and Bragança, in the state of Pará. A value chain was described, including producers, distributors, processors, retailers, and consumers of both the meat and the swim bladder. A total of 45 representatives from all categories were interviewed. The fishing of acoupa weakfish is carried out by artisanal vessels that use urn with ice or refrigerated chambers for fish storage. The average production per trip is 2.3 tons on boats with ice urns and 29 tons on boats with cold storage. The value chain for the meat is long and complex, with exports to both national and international markets, while the value chain for the swim bladder is shorter, and this byproduct is exported to the Asian market. The value chain shows that swim bladder processors achieve the highest revenues (USD 33 million), while producers generate the most jobs (N = 850). Acoupa weakfish fishing faces challenges due to the lack of regulation and effective tracking. The absence of the General Fishing Registry mainly hinders the monitoring and legality of the fish maw trade. Measures such as tracking and more effective penalties are essential to strengthen the value chain.