The Legislative Assembly of Mato Grosso do Sul has approved a bill that extends the fishing ban on the golden dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) for another two years. The proposal now moves to Governor Eduardo Riedel for approval.
The golden dorado is considered the "king of the river" due to its color and size.
The bill, introduced by state assemblyman Marcio Fernandes (MDB), amends the law in effect since January 10, 2019, which prohibits the capture, boarding, transport, commercialization, processing, and industrialization of the fish in the state's rivers.
The current law expires on March 31 of this year. Fernandes aims to extend it until March 31, 2027.
The rationale behind the extension is to allow the Mato Grosso do Sul Environmental Institute (Imasul) to conduct research to determine if the species is at risk of extinction.
State Deputy Gleice Jane (PT) pointed out that this study should have already been conducted. She mentioned that she had inquired with the state government about the research but had not received any updates regarding its progress.
We also reached out to Imasul but did not receive a response.
For Marcio Fernandes, two years is enough time for the study to be developed and presented.
The bill that amends the provision of Law nº 5.321, of January 10, 2019, allows the "catch and release" modality, consumption by professional fishermen, riverside dwellers, for their own consumption, and specimens raised in captivity.
The text also provides that during the next two years, technical-scientific and economic studies on the species will be carried out. The proposal also wants a public hearing at the Legislative Assembly, on January 28, 2027, to publicize Imasul's work and discuss the measures to be taken according to the scenario found.
The assemblyman justifies that the initiative observes the precautionary principle to protect the environment, even if there is no certainty about the damage caused.
Civil society organizations related to the conservation and prevention of the Pantanal, such as the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro, have shown support for the proposal.
The president of IHP, Ângelo Ribeiro, said that the golden fish is considered a trophy for fishermen and tourists and its preservation is essential for the biodiversity and economy of the biome.
The Pantanal Biopark, the largest freshwater aquarium in the world, has several specimens of golden fish to be admired by visitors.