The heavenly spot on Santinho Beach in Florianopolis served as a stage for thanksgiving at the end of the mullet harvest. A boat poking out of the water indicates that work on the high seas has already ended. Time to put the nets away, but not before being blessed and thankful for another season.

More than 100,000 fish have already been caught in the capital. Monitoring can be done on the platform. – Photo: Anderson Coelho/Arquivo/ND

In figures, this harvest was less than the previous year. But this does not detract from the brilliance and charm of this tradition, which is more and more alive here. With the mullet season over, it’s time to take stock of how the harvest went.

According to the Florianopolis City Hall’s Tainhometer, 144,727 mullets have been caught since May 1, the start of the season. In the ranking of beaches, Lagoinha do Norte ranked first with 28,765 mullets. In second place is Barra da Lagoa with 23,587 points. Thirdly, Praia Brava, where 15,801 mullets were caught. The highest bidders received a medal and a prize.

“It was high-quality fishing, and it symbolizes the union of fishermen, good fishing, a healthy harvest, harmony. And that’s what we want,” said Laurentino Benedito Neves, owner of the longest-recorded Zaragasso da Barra da Lagoa ranch.

Second place in the category of the longest flights was taken by Rancho do Nildo on Brava Beach. According to the owner, Nildo Vilmar dos Santos, the ranch was “successful as it was the second largest lot in the municipality. The community accompanies, helps, pulls the net, automatically takes its fish. This directly or indirectly helps family income. In other words, it’s a huge satisfaction.”

Last Sunday (31) the regular collection of mullet was officially completed. According to the fishermen themselves, although they were not the best in terms of numbers, giving thanks is a gesture not to be missed. And, of course, the opportunity to interest the public so that next year’s harvest is even better.

According to the mayor of the capital, Topazio Neto, “the fishing community of Florianopolis can continue to bet and be sure of the support of the municipal authorities for this, which is a great tradition in the city, artisanal fishing. In particular, the mullet, which every year generates wealth, generates jobs, generates a cultural movement in the city.”

One of the reasons why the harvest was not so good was the climate change affecting the Brazilian coast. “Last year, 217,000 mullets were caught. This year 140 thousand mullets were caught. That extratropical cyclone in mid-May severely prevented fish from landing here on the coast. But next year we hope to exceed 217,000, perhaps adding two more to get a wonderful harvest of mullet,” explained Adriano Weikert, head of the fisheries, mariculture and agriculture department of Florianopolis.

The harvest is coming to an end, but not without recognition from those who support and value artisanal fisheries. Leading NDTV Rafael Polito was awarded the title “Fisherman’s Friend” for encouraging activities that are one of the symbols of the coast of Santa Catarina.

“I felt very flattered. I have great respect for these men who look at the sea every day. Facing the sea is one of the greatest and most incredible lessons in life because it is a constant exercise in endurance. It’s the ability that these people show us that it’s possible to start over. Because not every time they come and face adversity, they are sure to bring the fish, and they do,” Polito said.

See the report for more details. SC on the air.