As a child, when Sandra Regina Gonçalves wasn’t studying, she was fishing. Born in the city of Curuça, Sandra estimates around 80% of the population of her birth town are fishers.

Sandra’s interest in fishing developed when fishing was still a male dominated activity. Gradually, however, husbands and wives began to share tasks and nets within the fishing business. “Men and women now have the same value in the small-scale fisheries, it’s a familiar process,” says Sandra.

Recognising the vital role that the mangrove forests play in offering food and water security to communities in the region, Sandra started to talk about conservation with people in the local association. “If we don’t protect now, in ten years we won’t have abundant fish stocks,” Sandra comments.

At the end of the 90s, the MPA model reached the coast of Pará through the “Resex” marine extractive reserves. These helped conserve fishing grounds, whilst also providing protection for the economy, culture and food security in the region. Sandra played a crucial role in creating the first MPAs in Pará back in 2002. Nowadays 12 Resex projects protect the Pará coast, benefiting more than 36 thousand families*. “The fishermen and fisherwomen are the guardians responsible for the protection of this heritage” she says.

Through the “Fish Forever” program, a collaborative network was created in partnership with Rare, an NGO, to promote a sustainable small-scale fishery. “This collaboration was very significant. It gave the local fishers a visibility and recognition that they did not have before, it helped reduce harmful fishing practices, and championed the benefits of a fairer supply chain,” Sandra said.

Sandra also became one of the founders of Confrem, the National Commission for strengthening Coastal and Marine Extractive Reserves. As a recognized fisher leader, she represents an important voice for the Amazon Coast; one which knows the importance of inclusive fisheries management and that local fish consumption means quality fresh fish and it stimulates local, circular economic growth. “Fish is one of the healthiest foods. We need to take care of it, and not overfish and pollute our seas and rivers.”