Caracterização do perfil dos consumidores de peixes em municípios da região metropolitana de Belém, Pará, Brasil

Abstract

The understanding of fish consumption plays a crucial role in valuing the productive chain of the fishing sector, especially in coastal and riverside regions where fishing constitutes an economic and cultural pillar. The Metropolitan Region of Belém, in the state of Pará, stands out for its rich aquatic biodiversity and strong culture of fish consumption. It is understood that knowing the socioeconomic profile and fish consumption habits of its inhabitants provides fundamental information for the development of effective public policies. This study seeks to gather this knowledge, characterizing fish consumers in this region. For this purpose, 405 people participated in the research by answering a structured questionnaire, aiming to formulate a profile, in addition to statistical data analysis and comparison with similar studies in other regions. It shows that the main age group of consumers is 45 to 60 years old (40.74%), female (56.30%), with a monthly family income of up to one minimum wage (36.05%), consuming fish once or twice a week (68.15%), mainly at their homes (95.80%). The preference for purchasing falls on the Municipal Market or street markets (77.04%), choosing fresh whole fish (50.12%), with emphasis on species such as "dourada" and "pescada gó", and payment is predominantly made in cash. This study not only reports specific characteristics of fish consumers in the region compared to previous knowledge, which is often generalized or focused on other areas, but also highlights qualitative aspects such as their concerns about food health and suggestions for improvements to the productive chain. This detailed analysis of consumer profiles significantly contributes to understanding consumption patterns and provides guidelines for future interventions aimed at increasing fish consumption and improving food security in the Metropolitan Region of Belém.