Assessment of fish farming environmental suitability scenarios in compliance with the Brazilian Forest Code

This study aimed to evaluate environmental suitability scenarios for fish farms in Santa Catarina, Brazil, applying the rules regarding suitability and occupation in Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) of the current Forest Code. Rural properties (n=15) with commercial aquaculture were selected to verify the occupation scenarios in PPAs. The suitability analysis was based on the legal regulations that guide the activity’s licensing process, later with the inclusion of public databases that make up this environmental policy. From the suitability maps per property in different scenarios, in the most restrictive rule, 93.3% of the properties analyzed presented environmental liabilities due to occupation in PPAs. Based on the least restrictive rule, 80% of the rural properties presented environmental liabilities. Considering the ideal scenario, in which PPA occupation is absent, 6% of the fish farms were identified; in the less restrictive scenario, 16%; and in the restrictive scenario, 78% of the fish farms. In conclusion, legal uncertainty surrounding the application of the NFC in the Atlantic Forest biome can be an obstacle to the regularization of environmental processes in fish farming. However, is possible and feasible in both scenarios, only for occupation profiles III and IV is it more particular to continue with the activity, considering the minimum recomposition rule.