| Brazilian aquaculture is not merely benefited by favorable climatic conditions but it has also innumerable available water resources. Research was undertaken in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern region of Brazil. One hundred and thirty-two establishments (101 for fish-breeding and 31 for sport fishing) were indicated and 90 fish-breeding sites were selected at random. Questionnaires contained the following items: identification of the fishing system; water input; number of breeding places; periodicity of unloading; fish collection; fish biomass; changes in water color; organic and inorganic manure; liming; aerators; the existence of other animals in the surrounding area; use of chemical products; diagnosis of dead fish and diseases; water output and treatment of effluent; water analysis; origin of fish; production; other agricultural activities in the neighborhood; blooming of cyanobacteria; most frequent problems and difficulties. The tilapia is the most bred fish in the region, coupled to the use of agricultural practices such as manure, commercial diet and liming. In the case of sport fishing several establishments provide basic service, namely, fishing pools, parking places, bars and fish cleaning; other provide restaurants and recreation areas too.
Although the state of Rio de Janeiro, as a rule, has great possibilities in developing fish breeding systems, public policies in the region’s fish-breeding coordination is a must. The above requires technical and financial assistance which couple activities and their respective markets. Several issues must be revised and discussed. They include contamination, eutrophication, need for more information on management activities and strategies, and the influence of effluents in fish-breeding in the context of water quality loss in water sources in the state of Rio de Janeiro and their possible consequences for the hydrographic basic.
Abstract presented at the Fourth International Symposium on GIS/Spatial Analysis in Fishery and Aquatic Sciences in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 25–29 August 2008. Fishery-Aquatic GIS Research Group. | 
