AGUA CLARA, Brazil (AP) 鈥� Two years of record-breaking drought have dealt a heavy blow to what is arguably the Amazon鈥檚 most : the managed fishery for the giant pirarucu.
In Brazil麓s Amazonas state, almost 6,000 riverine dwellers authorized to fish have reported a sharp drop in production and rising costs. They are demanding aid from the federal government and debating how to adapt to climate change.
Last year鈥檚 catch totaled 70% of the government-authorized quota of 100,443 fish. This year could see an even steeper decline, since many communities still haven麓t been able to fish. The season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
Pirarucu managed fishing began in the Amazon 25 years ago in the Mamiraua region and has since expanded. It helped the Amazon鈥檚 largest fish escape risk of extinction and is now an important source of income for locals in 10 sustainable conservation units and eight Indigenous territories, where deforestation is close to zero.
Unlike other aquatic species of the Amazon, such as , the pirarucu 鈥� also known as arapaima 鈥� historically have proven resilient to drought and climate change. But low water levels are making it extremely difficult for fishers to transport their catch from remote lakes to major rivers and onto cities.
It鈥檚 a mammoth task. The pirarucu, which can weigh up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds), lives in large lakes that during flood season are often connected to major rivers. Fishing typically occurs when water levels begin to recede, making it easier to trap the fish and transport them out in small boats or canoes. In several areas, however, water levels dropped so quickly that this connection was cut off before fishing could begin.
In the in the Medio Jurua region, fishing is scheduled to start Saturday, a two-month delay 鈥� a common situation this season. As a result, Coletivo Pirarucu, an umbrella organization that represents 2,500 riverine and Indigenous families, has requested that the federal government extend fishing season until the end of January.
Even in large rivers navigation has become problematic, raising costs and uncertainty among fishermen. It usually takes three to four days to transport fish from Carauari municipality 鈥� a major pirarucu producer 鈥� to Manaus, the Amazon麓s largest city. During the peak of the drought, the trip increased to 10 days, and the freight price has doubled.
Tough as pirarucu are, they are not immune to climate change, according to researcher Adalberto Luis Val from the National Institute for Amazonian Research. He says rising temperatures and severe droughts are exacerbating the 鈥渄eath trio鈥� for all fish: warmer water, more CO2 and less oxygen.
The pirarucu has evolved to breathe air but is far from invincible. 鈥淣o fish can regulate body temperature,鈥� Val said. 鈥淭hen there麓s water scarcity. As its level drops, you start to get a high amount of suspended material, leading to sludge buildup. It sticks to the gill area, blocking the processes that occur there.鈥�
Fearing deteriorating conditions in the following decades, Coletivo Pirarucu contends that the fishermen should be entitled to compensation for losses caused by climate change. 鈥淭his crisis not only challenges the resilience of communities but also highlights the urgent need for climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies,鈥� the nonprofit stated in an open letter last week.
In an e-mail response, James Bessa, a federal official overseeing pirarucu management, said that Ibama, Brazil麓s environmental agency, is working with other public bodies and local fishing associations to reduce the impact of extreme events like droughts and floods. He said there are plans to start scientific studies and closer monitoring to provide insights into ways to support riverine and Indigenous communities in sustaining their fishing activities.
Adevaldo Dias 鈥� a riverine leader who presides over the Chico Mendes Memorial, a nonprofit that assists traditional non-Indigenous communities 鈥� argues that adopting additional public policies to help the fishermen is a matter of climate justice.
鈥淭he Indigenous and riverine peoples have minimal impact on the environment," Dias said. "We know that conserving the forest benefits both us and those outside it. And when extreme climate events occur, they are the most vulnerable.鈥�
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Fabiano Maisonnave, The Associated Press
