On Monday, fishermen's unions, associations, and colonies from the Baixada Maranhense region of Maranhão undertook protests involving blockades on the BR-135 and BR-316 highways. The demonstrations began around 7 a.m. and are expected to continue indefinitely, causing significant traffic disruptions. The blockades are strategically located near the Bacabeira roundabout on BR-135 and close to the Pindaré River bridge on BR-316, urging motorists to find alternate routes to bypass the affected areas.

The protests stem from frustrations over the delayed payments of the Seguro-Defeso, a financial benefit guaranteed by law for fishermen during periods when fishing is prohibited to help protect fish species. Fishermen's associations have indicated that numerous workers have yet to receive this necessary assistance due to bureaucratic hurdles, particularly the mandatory biometric registration on the Gov.br platform. The delay is increasingly troubling for many, as this assistance is crucial for their livelihoods during the fishing ban.

The unions stress that these bureaucratic processes are not only hindering access to the Seguro-Defeso but are also exacerbating the financial struggles of local fishermen. As the protest continues, the community calls on government authorities to address these administrative challenges effectively and ensure timely payments to those in need, advocating for a greater understanding of the local issues affecting the fishing industry in Maranhão.