the artisanal fishing economy and methods are some of the oldest in brazil, with roots dating back to colonial times. the origins of the techniques used can be traced back to indigenous fishing methods used on the land, which have been blended with portuguese and spanish sailing techniques, historically accounting for a large proportion of the fish consumption within brazil.

in fact, so critical was artisanal fishing to the fish industry within brazil, that before government initiatives for industrial fisheries in 1967, artisanal fishing was responsible for more than 80 percent of the fish production in the country. this practice has maintained a variety of communities across the rio de janeiro coast, displaying numerous sustainable and ingenious fishing techniques, whilst adding a rich cultural heritage to the region.