Severe Drought Jeopardizes Amazon's Pirarucu Fishery
Record-breaking droughts in Brazil's Amazonas state threaten the sustainable fishing of the giant pirarucu, impacting local economies and prompting calls for government intervention.
- Nearly 6,000 authorized fishers report a significant drop in pirarucu catch and increased costs due to low water levels.
- The managed fishery, a key sustainable economy in the Amazon, risks failing to meet the government quota for the second consecutive year.
- Transportation of the large fish from remote lakes to major rivers and cities has become increasingly difficult, causing delays and higher freight costs.
- Coletivo Pirarucu, representing 2,500 families, has requested an extension of the fishing season and compensation for climate change-related losses.
- Brazilian environmental agencies are collaborating with local communities to develop strategies for mitigating the effects of extreme climate events.
CBS News 
Associated Press 
South China Morning Post 