in a country where over 50 percent of the population live in coastal areas and towns, fishing has become one of the backbones of the national culture, supporting the economy, and keeping the people fed - aside from amateur fishing, there are two main sectors of fishing throughout brazil - industrial fishing, and artisanal fishing, of which the latter accounts for approximately 60 percent of the total fish landings within the country.

as a coastal state, hemmed by the tropical shores of the atlantic ocean, rio de janeiro has a rich tradition of artisanal fishing. this tradition has continued into modern day, with around 1,600 registered artisanal fishermen, who use their extensive knowledge and intricate techniques, passed on through generations, to fish for their livelihoods.