In our last blog post, we shared how jaguars have been returning to areas close to town – partly thanks to new fishing regulations that have limited human activity on the Rio Paraguai. Today, we want to take a closer look at the new law behind this shift: what it does, why it was introduced, and why it’s become such a controversial topic.
Since early 2024, all commercial fishing and fish transport have been banned across the state of Mato Grosso – one of Brazil’s largest states, nearly twice the size of Germany. The law applies to all rivers, without exception. At first glance, this seems like a strong and necessary measure to protect fish populations, which have reportedly declined in some areas.
But critics argue the law is overly broad. Mato Grosso is home to dozens of large rivers, each with distinct ecosystems. While some rivers are clearly overfished, others still hold stable – or even thriving – fish populations. A more region-specific approach would have made more ecological sense.
Moreover, some researchers say overfishing isn’t the primary threat. Instead, they point to hydropower dams and reservoir construction, which have disrupted natural migration routes and dramatically changed the ecological balance of many river systems – issues the current law doesn’t address.
Among the most affected are the traditional riverine communities like in the Pantanal – known locally as ribeirinhos or pantaneiros – who have lived from fishing for generations. Technically, special permits are available for subsistence fishing. But in practice, these measures often fail: Many local people are unfamiliar with bureaucratic processes, and some are functionally illiterate. They don’t know how to request exceptions or that such rights even exist.
Ironically, both sides of the debate advocate for conservation. Those who support the ban want to restore fish populations. Those who oppose it say it displaces the very people who help protect the river and its ecosystems – leading to increased vulnerability to forest fires, land grabs, or illegal developments.
As nature tour operators, we are caught in the middle. In the short term, the ban has clear upsides: Quieter rivers mean better chances to see wildlife, including jaguars and giant otters. But long-term? We’re not sure. If river people are forced to abandon their homes and culture, the Pantanal may lose one of its best protectors.
We’ll continue to monitor this issue and advocate for conservation strategies that include, not exclude, the people who live here.
