Abstract

ZUNIGA, Harley; ALTAMAR, Jairo  and  FERNANDEZ, Andrik. IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN ARTISANAL ''PARGUERAS'' BOATS THROUGH MECHANIZATION OF FISHING OPERATIONS. rev.udcaactual.divulg.cient. [online]. 2013, vol.16, n.2, pp.469-478. ISSN 0123-4226.

In the Colombian Caribbean a fleet of artisanal vessels called ''pargueras'' is considered the most developed in the region. However, fishing operations are done manually which involves physical effort and restricted fishing areas, making this an unproductive activity, in this sense, incorporating machinery to the fleet ''parguera'' helps to improve efficiency. Consequently, in an artisanal boat two hydraulic machines were designed, calculated, constructed and installed: A net drum for setting and hauling gillnets and a hauler for longlines and traps. Fishing operations of the vessel with the innovations and traditional fleet were monitored, to compare times and movements and a comparative economic analysis from landed catches was carried out. The results indicated that the vessel using innovations decreased the time setting and hauling of fishing gear and consequently the crew evidenced a reduction of physical effort. The increase in catches showed that the profits of the innovated vessel tripled the traditional ones (more than 229%), however, unsafe acts were identified that require implementing security standard protocols to prevent accidents. In conclusion, the mechanization of the ''pargueras'' fleet facilitated fishing operations, improved ergonomic position, increased effective fishing time and catches and allowed access to other fishing grounds to reduce the pressure on the traditional ones.

Keywords : Artisanal fisheries; fisheries machine; hydraulic; Colombian Caribbean.

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