A severe drought threatens the catch of the Amazon’s largest fish, the giant pirarucu.

Two record-breaking years drought they have faced a major problem in what is arguably the most successful stable economy of the Amazon: the fishery dominated by the giant pirarucu.

In the Amazonas state of Brazil, about 6,000 riverine residents who are authorized to fish have reported a sharp drop in production and rising costs. They sought help from the federal government and debated how to adapt climate change.

Last year’s catch was 70% of the government’s quota of 100,443 fish. This year there may be a big decline, as many communities are still unable to fish. The season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Pirarucu managed fishing started in the Amazon 25 years ago in the Mamiraua region and has expanded. It has helped the giant fish of the Amazon escape the threat of extinction and is now an important source of income for local people in 10 sustainable conservation areas and eight Indigenous areas. deforestation is close to zero.

Unlike other aquatic species of the Amazon, such as river dolphins, the pirarucu – also known as arapaima – has historically proven to be able to withstand drought and climate change. But low water levels make it very difficult for fishermen to transport their catch from remote lakes to larger rivers and cities.

It’s a big job. The pirarucu, which can weigh up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds), lives in large ponds that in times of flood are often connected to large rivers. Fishing usually takes place when water levels start to drop, making it easier to catch fish and take them out in small boats or boats. However, in several places, water levels dropped so fast that this connection was cut before fishing could begin.

In the community of São Raimundo in the region of Medio Jurua, fishing is scheduled to start on Saturday, a delay of two months – a common situation this season. Because of this, Coletivo Pirarucu, which is an umbrella organization representing 2,500 riverine and Aboriginal families, has asked the federal government to extend the fishing season until the end of January.

Even on major rivers, navigation has become a problem, increasing costs and uncertainty for fishermen. It usually takes three to four days to transport the fish from the municipality of Carauari – the main producer of pirarucu – to Manaus, the largest city in the Amazon. During the peak of the drought, the journey increased to 10 days, and the price of goods doubled.

Since the pirarucu is hardy, it is not immune to climate change, according to researcher Adalberto Luis Val of the National Institute for Amazonian Research. He says rising temperatures and severe droughts are increasing the “death trio” for all fish: warmer water, more CO2 and less oxygen.

The pirarucu has evolved to breathe air but is far from invincible.

“No fish can regulate its body temperature,” said Val. “Then there is a lack of water. As its level decreases, you start to get a high amount of suspended matter, which leads to the formation of sludge. It sticks to the gill area, blocking the processes that take place there.”

Fearing deteriorating conditions in the coming decades, Coletivo Pirarucu argues that fishermen should have the right to be compensated for losses caused by climate change. “This crisis not only challenges communities but also highlights the urgent need to address climate change and mitigation strategies,” the non-profit organization said in an open letter last week.

In an email response, James Bessa, the government official responsible for the management of pirarucu, said that Ibama, Brazil’s environmental agency, works with other civil society organizations and local fishing organizations to reduce the impact of extreme events such as drought and floods. He said there are plans to start scientific studies and close monitoring to provide information on ways to support riverine and indigenous communities in continuing their fishing activities.

Adevaldo Dias – a river leader who oversees the Chico Mendes Memorial, a non-profit organization that helps non-Indigenous indigenous communities – argues that adopting more public policies to help fishermen is a matter of climate justice.

“Indigenous and riverine people have little impact on the environment,” said Dias. “We know that preserving the forest benefits us and those outside it. And when extreme weather conditions occur, they are the most vulnerable.”