On Thursday (19), four fishermen were penalized for engaging in illegal fishing in the Aguapeí River, located in Lucélia, São Paulo. Among the group, two men, aged 35 and 38, were fined a total of over R$ 2,000 due to their unlawful activities. The environmental police, while patrolling a known area for predatory fishing, spotted the individuals with a mesh net containing 3.3 kg of the curimbatá fish species, leading to their citation under environmental law.

The fines imposed on the two fishermen amounted to R$ 1,067.00 each, as stated in the environmental infraction notice issued based on the relevant regulation. The police action also uncovered two additional men, aged 28 and 33, who were fishing in a prohibited area; however, they were not charged with fines as they had not captured any fish. Instead, they received warnings, which emphasizes the law enforcement focus on not only penalizing offenders but also educating fishermen about the importance of adhering to fishing regulations.

This operation by the environmental police highlights ongoing concerns regarding illegal fishing practices in Brazil, particularly affecting local ecosystems. The confiscation of over 70 kg of fish illustrates the significant impact such activities can have all around, raising awareness about the necessity for sustainable fishing practices to protect aquatic life and maintain biodiversity in the region.