Shellfish Collection in Environmental Preservation Areas of the City of Vitória-ES: Contribution to Shared Waste Management

Objective: To investigate the practice of sururu shellfish gathering in the city of Vitória-ES, with the aim of offering subsidies for shared management of waste from this cultural practice through its use. Theoretical Framework: Shellfish harvesting is understood as a fishing activity developed by traditional communities, with significant importance for financial, nutritional, and cultural support. However, it generates negative impacts due to the accumulation of waste disposed of in inappropriate locations after the shellfish processing process. Bruno Latour's Actor-Network Theory allowed us to identify the actors involved and their connections. Method: To track and analyze the complex relationships of shellfish gathering, techniques such as semi-structured interviews with shellfish gatherers and public managers, trace mapping, bibliographic and documentary research, and data organization through environmental analysis cartography were adopted. Results and Discussion: The study allowed for the updating of shellfish harvesting data; it identified resistance to the practice by shellfish gatherers on rocky coasts, a lack of processing facilities, and the absence of specific collectors and programs for the use of this waste by the government. Research Implications: It was possible to identify and understand how human and non-human actors interact with each other, how they influence decisions and could thus constitute fronts of mutual collaboration to solve the waste problem. Originality/Value: In interviews, he identified the various actors involved, demonstrating actions that can contribute to the shared management of generated waste, linking sustainability to shellfish harvesting, and contributing to the care of the city's cultural, environmental, and urban heritage.