Magé fishing women boost income using ubarana fish

Women from the Associação de Caranguejeiros e Amigos dos Mangue de Magé (ACAMM) in Rio de Janeiro are transforming their local economy by repurposing the ubarana, a fish previously undervalued due to its many fine bones.

Through the Cozinha das Caranguejeiras, these women use traditional knowledge to process the fish into various dishes, including strogonoff, meatballs, croquettes, and kibbeh. These products are sold to the community, tourists, researchers, and companies.

The initiative provides income for 15 families directly, while the association as a whole supports 24 families. The project has grown through support from the Fundo Brasileiro para a Biodiversidade (Funbio), which helped the kitchen secure physical spaces to scale production. Beyond economic benefits, the project serves as a social action, providing community and support for women facing mental health challenges.