Two men were caught with 29 kilograms of illegally caught fish during the breeding season, resulting in significant fines imposed by the Environmental Police in Brazil.
On Wednesday, November 11, two men were apprehended by the Environmental Police in Lucélia, São Paulo, for possessing 29 kilograms of illegally captured fish during the critical breeding period known as Piracema. The police were conducting a patrol as part of Operation Piracema at access points near the Aguapeí River when they spotted the two suspects, aged 46 and 54, sitting by the riverbank with bags full of native fish.
The caught fish included various native species such as dourado, curimbatá, piauçu, and traíra, which are protected under local fishing regulations during Piracema, the reproductive season. As a result of their illegal activity, both men received fines of R$ 1,580 each, amounting to a total of R$ 3,160. Additionally, their case will be forwarded to the Civil Police Department as an environmental crime under Federal Law 9.605/98, emphasizing the serious repercussions of such illegal fishing activities.
In a positive turn of events, despite the illegal nature of their catch, the fish were in good sanitary condition and were donated to the Lar São Vicente de Paulo in Osvaldo Cruz. This decision highlights a compassionate response to the situation, as the donated fish will benefit those in need, demonstrating a community-oriented approach even in light of legal infractions.
