Sensibilización de las personas pescadoras artesanales sobre el manejo de residuos en Jaramijó, Ecuador

[Introduction]: Artisanal fishing represents an essential economic activity in Jaramijó, Manabí, but it faces serious environmental challenges due to the poor management of waste, mainly plastics, generated at various stages of fishing process. [Objective]: In this study it was analyzed the level of environmental awareness of artisanal fishermen in Jaramijó and their waste management practices generated during the different stages of fishing activity. [Methodology]: A mixed approach was used with surveys of 356 fishermen and interviews with port authorities. Waste management practices in the preparation, offshore fishing, and unloading/commercialization phases were analyzed, as well as the level of environmental training of the fishermen. [Results]: It was identified that waste is consistently generated in all phases; plastic waste is the most common. Although 45% of fishermen claim to dispose of waste properly, another 36% throw it into the sea, and the remaining 19% leave it on the boat. The lack of training for 63% of fishermen and limited infrastructure are key barriers to improving waste management. Authorities consider the existing infrastructure sufficient but acknowledge low participation from fishermen in management strategies. [Conclusions]: Structural, cultural, and communication limitations that affect proper waste management. It is recommended to implement participatory awareness programs, improve port infrastructure, offer incentives for good practices, and promote greater collaboration among the actors involved, with a view to more sustainable and responsible artisanal fishing in Jaramijó.