The Z-13 Fishing Colony at Posto 6, on Copacabana Beach is one of the last remnants of the fishing tradition in one of Rio de Janeiro's most urbanized areas. Established over a century ago, Z-13 plays a vital role in supplying the city with fish and, above all, in preserving a culture that dates back to the neighborhood's origins.
Image description: This is a historic black-and-white photograph of a fishing colony. The image shows a beach with simple houses and boats by the seaside. On the left, there are structures close to the water, while on the right, there are more houses and a small group of people. In the background, mountains covered with vegetation form the horizon.Marc Ferrez. Rock where the Copacabana Fort stands, nowadays Posto 6, with the Dois Irmãos Rock in the background, 1900. Gilberto Ferrez Collection, Moreira Salles Institute.
Z-13 was founded on 29 June 1923, St Peter´s Day — the patron saint of fishers. The colony functions on the basis of collective labor and artisanal fishing methods. It is responsible for preserving traditions, contributing to sustainability and conserving nature in the region, which has been greatly affected by industrial fishing in recent years.
The colony is a symbol of cultural resilience. At Posto 6, fisher people still weave nets and carry out their activities by the beach, preserving a rustic scene that contrasts with the bustling life of Copacabana. The small beach area where Z-13 is located is surrounded by large almond trees, and is full of nets and boats, making the colony a haven in the urban landscape of Rio de Janeiro, known as the ´Marvelous City´.
Image description: This is a photograph of a beach with several people and boats. On the left side, we see fishing boats close to the sand. In front of the boats, there are three people with their backs to the camera, looking out at the sea. Further to the right, there are more boats and a person standing on the sand. In the background, we see the calm sea with some small waves. In the distance, there are mountains covered with green vegetation. On the right, there is a red structure and a large tree. The sky is blue with some white clouds.André Arruda. With 100 years of history, the Z-13 colony has stood the test of time and preserves the artisanal fishing methods of Rio´s southern region. O Globo.
The Z-13 Fishing Colony also plays an important role in shaping the cultural identity of Copacabana. Although the beach's glamour is often associated with tourists, luxurious hotels, and large-scale events, the colony reminds us of the neighborhood's deep connection to the traditional work of fishing. The fisher people of the Z-13 colony perpetuate practices and knowledge that have been passed down through generations, and their daily activities contribute to a vision of Copacabana that goes beyond the picture postcard image.
Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of a fishing colony on a beach. On the left side, we see a man with his back turned, holding a fishing net. In the center, two men are dragging a fishing net across the sand, with the sea in the background. In the distance, we see other people in the water and mountains beyond. The beach is full of waves breaking on the sand.André Arruda. With 100 years of history, the Z-13 colony has stood the test of time and preserves the artisanal fishing methods of Rio´s southern region. O Globo.
In response to the concerns of local residents, public authorities have carried out some interventions in the organization the colony, such as building a dedicated space for fish sales. This was previously conducted outdoors. Since 1991, the area occupied by the Fishing Colony has been included in the protected boundaries of the Copacabana Fort, a listed building.
Over the years, the colony has faced some big challenges because of the growing urbanization of the seafront and the decline in artisanal fishing, due to pollution and the use of industrial techniques. In the face of adversity, the Colônia de Pescadores Z-13 continues to link the past of Copacabana with its present reality. This is a place where the sea and the city meet and where traditional artisanal fishing is resisting change. But the presence of the fishing colony on Copacabana beach goes beyond economic concerns. It is part of the non-material heritage of Rio de Janeiro and the conservation of this space is essential, not only for the memory of the city but also in sustaining practices that connect different generations to ancestral knowledge.
The Z-13 Fishing Colony currently has over 900 associates and in addition to Posto 6 there are hubs in Urca, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Anil, Muzema, Camorim and Pontal do Recreio.
Image description: This is a photograph of a fishing community called "Colônia dos Pescadores Z-13" (Z-13 Fishermen's Colony). The image shows a series of wooden stalls with blue roofs, arranged side by side along a path. On the left, a bicycle is leaning against one of the stalls. In front, there is a sign with the name of the colony and some information about it. On the right, several people are walking or talking near the stalls. In the background, there are large trees and a string of colorful pennants hanging between them. The sky is partly cloudy, giving the image a soft light tone.Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon hub. Photograph provided by Rio de Janeiro City Hall
Image description: The image shows two logos. On the left side, there is a blue shield with a crown and decorative elements, followed by the text "Rio Prefeitura Turismo" in blue. On the right side, there is a logo with the phrase "Rio Memórias" in orange, inside a square with vertical lines.
