The Piracema Operation, conducted by the Civil Police in Santarém, a city in the western region of Pará, Brazil, wrapped up its activities this Sunday. Over the course of six days, the operation facilitated the issuance of the new National Identity Card for artisanal fishermen, which is a required document for them to access the seguro-defeso, a type of unemployment insurance provided during the closed fishing period known as piracema. This initiative aims not only to provide fishermen with necessary identification but also to ensure compliance with legal regulations pertaining to fishing practices in the region.

On the final day of the operation, attendance was lower than in previous days, but the atmosphere was still filled with a sense of relief among beneficiaries. For instance, local fisherman José Valter da Silva, who lives near Lago Grande, expressed his satisfaction after finally completing an identity card application, having faced several previous challenges in doing so. He noted his previous attempts ended in frustration due to not having all the required documents, highlighting a common issue many fishermen face in the process of obtaining legitimate identification.

The importance of having proper documentation was emphasized by the fishermen during the operation, with many acknowledging how critical it is for various aspects of their livelihood. They mentioned that being able to prove their identity is essential to ensure their access to rights and benefits, especially during the piracema, when fishing is prohibited and financial support is crucial for sustaining their households. The successful completion of the operation reflects a significant step towards giving local fishermen a sense of security and recognition in their profession.