São Leopoldo/RS – This Saturday, January 14, during an environmental inspection action in Rio dos Sinos, the teams involved seized four slingshots (a kind of harpoon) and two cast nets.
As we are in the closed period (piracema), fishing with nets is prohibited. The use of slingshots is forbidden, because if the capture does not occur, the species is injured and ends up dying later. One person has been identified and will be fined.
Photo: Disclosure /Scom/PMSL
Photo: Disclosure /Scom/PMSL
The operation was coordinated by agents from the São Leopoldo Municipal Environment Secretariat (Semmam) and the Environmental Defense Group (GDA) Ipson Pavani from the Municipal Civil Guard (GCM).
The head of Semmam’s Environmental Monitoring Department, João Chaves, informed that due to the little rain that occurred, it caused a lack of oxygen in the river. “With this situation, the fish seek the surface to obtain oxygen. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of the fragility of these fish, as they are vulnerable with the lack of oxygen, which facilitates capture through slingshots, machetes and nets.
closed
During the months of November, December, January and February, the activity is prohibited due to the closed season, when piracema occurs, which is the reproduction of fish, in which they move to the sources or shallow regions of the rivers to spawn. The measure is necessary for the preservation of species, maintaining the environmental balance”, he commented.
penalties
Anyone arrested for illegal fishing can be punished with a fine of between R$700 and R$100,000, in addition to imprisonment for up to three years. Amateur fishing with rod and handline is allowed, but only with a hook.
