Amazon's Pirarucu Fishery Faces Crisis Amid Record Drought

Record-breaking drought in the Amazon is threatening the vital pirarucu fishery. Riverine communities in Brazil are struggling with reduced fish catches and increased costs. The situation calls for federal aid, adaptation strategies, and climate justice measures to help affected Indigenous and riverine families.

The Amazon region's crucial pirarucu fishery is facing an unprecedented crisis due to record-breaking drought, challenging what has been a major sustainable economic activity. Riverine communities across Brazil's Amazonas state are experiencing a significant drop in fish catches and climbing costs, pushing them to seek federal assistance.

The current scenario has compelled nearly 6,000 authorized fishers to request government intervention while confronting harsh realities posed by climate change. Concerns have heightened with last year's catch hitting only 70 percent of authorized quotas and this year's outlook appearing even more dire.

Coletivo Pirarucu, representing thousands of indigenous families, views the situation as untenable. It highlights the dire need for adaptation measures and calls for extending the fishing season alongside compensation for losses. Acknowledging these challenges, Brazilian federal officials are aiming to devise scientific approaches to mitigate climate impacts.

(With inputs from agencies.)