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Quota Increase Changes the Debate, but Mullet Fishing Remains Suspended in Santa Catarina Until New Federal Ordinance
Mullet fishing in Santa Catarina returned to the center of discussions after the federal government announced an increase in the quota allocated to artisanal fishermen of the Northern Coast. Businessman Luciano Hang, owner of Havan, criticized the maintenance of restrictions during a live broadcast held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in which he spoke with fishermen and industry representatives. The reaction occurred after participants of the live informed that the quota would be increased, but the activity would still be subject to catch limits. The episode reignited the dissatisfaction of fishing communities that depend on the season to ensure income throughout the year.
Quota Increase Keeps Restrictions at the Center of the Debate
The federal government’s decision came after the early closure of beach seine fishing in Santa Catarina. The season began on May 1, 2026, but was interrupted on Sunday, June 7, after the authorized limit for the modality was practically reached. Thus, the season ended after 38 days, a period considered short by fishermen on the coast of Santa Catarina. Hang criticized the quota model and stated that workers need freedom to carry out the activity, not new limitations.
End of the Season Provokes Reaction in Bombinhas
Luciano Hang also mentioned a recent visit to fishing shacks in Bombinhas, where he observed a mullet haul and spoke with local fishermen. The interruption of the season generated protests in the municipality, mainly because many workers claim to depend on fishing in the months of May, June, and July. During the broadcast, the businessman described the suspension as regrettable and said that Santa Catarina was being harmed by federal decisions. The criticism reinforced the tense atmosphere between artisanal fishermen and the government.
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Fishermen’s Reports Show Surprise with the Suspension
The former Secretary of State for Aquaculture and Fisheries, Tiago Frigo, participated in the live stream and reported having witnessed a protest in Bombinhas. According to him, there were visible schools of fish near the coast while fishermen were prevented from working. The fisherman Júlio, aged 82, also joined the conversation and stated that he had never witnessed a similar situation. For him, the news of the suspension came as a surprise and interrupted a tradition maintained for generations on the Santa Catarina coast.
Government announces new quota and prepares official rules
The federal government announced on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, that it would increase the quota allocated to artisanal fishermen in the northern region of Santa Catarina. According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the measure aims to include all artisanal fishermen in the region during the 2026 season. The decision was based on the latest assessment of the species stock and attempts to balance economic activity and preservation of mullet for future seasons. Despite this, fishing remains suspended until the publication of a joint ordinance.
Lula comments on impasse and says he called ministers
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also commented on the case during a public agenda on Tuesday. According to him, the issue reached the government after contact made by the president of Sebrae, Décio Lima, who reported the dissatisfaction of the fishermen. Lula stated that he called the involved ministers to discuss the problem and seek a solution for Santa Catarina. While the new regulation is not published, mullet fishing by the beach seine system remains prohibited throughout the State.
The future of mullet fishing in Santa Catarina
The increase in the quota represents an attempt to reduce pressure on the federal government, but it does not yet resolve the deadlock. Fishermen are waiting for the publication of the new ordinance to know when they can resume activity. The case also highlights the challenge of reconciling the livelihood of traditional communities, capture control, and species preservation. The 2026 season, marked by early interruption and public reaction, has come to symbolize the tension between environmental regulations and artisanal work.
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