Identifying multiple-use conflicts prior to marine spatial planning: A case study of A multi-legislative estuary in Brazil

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is essential to solve spatial multiple-use problems, but first it is necessary to identify and map all existing uses, regulations and conflicts. Use conflicts related to the multi-legislative governance, neglect of fishermen's interests, and intensifying industrial growth due to economic development were identified for in a multiple-use Brazilian estuary. Overlaps between areas that are presently used for fishing and areas that are subject to regulations prohibiting this activity were analyzed. Information on regulations establishing no-fishing zones, the most important fishing sites and fishing records were gathered and superimposed using a GIS dataset. Main fishing zones were located within prohibited fishing areas. Regulations limiting fishing activity govern navigation routes and pipeline safety zone, whereas environmental law restrictions were less important. Due to economic and industrial development, oil and gas distribution and harbor construction projects are increasing, aggravating use conflicts and jeopardizing fishing activity. Legislation fragments usable fishing areas forcing fishers to operate within prohibited zones. Neglect of fishermen's interests, and their exclusion on the decision-making process led to a legislative scenario that reduce fishing legal zone to few areas, which in most cases fisherman are not even aware were they are, beingthe main reasons for fisher's failure to comply with the current regulations, increasing the number of infractions and the marginalization of fishermen. Future studies on multiple-use coastal areas subject to multiple jurisdictions should focus on all uses, not only environmental, to better understand spatial conflicts and to establish a realistic MSP embracing fisheries management, environmental conservation and economic development.