Prainha do Canto Verde (PCV) is a small village located in the northeastern part of Brazil in the Federal state of Ceará at 126 km from the capital city Fortaleza. Before 1990 fisher families of the village were almost totally dependent on income from fisheries. Today, fishing and small commerce account for 50 % of local income, the rest is more diversified than in the past because of local development projects such as the community based Tourism Project. Despite the lack of significant government support for the changes in the past 10 years the quality of life of fishers and their families has improved a great deal. Their understanding and perception of ecological processes, fishery dynamics, responsible fishery practices and sustainable principles have led to a better awareness of the “jangadeiros” role in the future of Northeastern Brazilian fisheries. It was found that despite poor education, fishers understand concepts such as overfishing and sustainable development and share research work with fisheries scientists, that they participate voluntarily in fisheries management and contribute financially to carry out enforcement activities. With continuous education programs and incentives other communities will get on the bandwagon and will be reliable partners for the conservation of marine resources in the coastal region which they know like their backyard.