Environmental crisis in Pará: fish deaths and lack of water affect communities

The floodplain region of Pará is facing a serious environmental crisis, evidenced by the mass death of fish. A report from the Secretariat of Environment and Sustainability (Semas) pointed out that the main cause of this phenomenon was prolonged, which resulted in low levels of oxygen in the water. This condition led to intense competition between aquatic organisms, compromising the survival of the species. Dissolved oxygen levels in the Aramanaí canal were alarming, measuring just 0.15 mg/l, while the ideal would be above 5 mg/l. In addition to , the mortality also affected alligators, turtles and stingrays. The situation was initially detected by fishermen on the 11th, when they began to notice the death of the most vulnerable fish, followed by species with greater commercial value.

The local community, which is home to around 500 families, is facing serious water supply problems. The Costa stream, which used to be a vital source, is now reduced to a small trickle. Despite efforts to save the animals still alive, the situation worsens, with mortality persisting. In addition to the drought, smoke from forest fires and the lack of rain have contributed to the deterioration of environmental conditions. The combination of these factors has generated a worrying scenario for the local fauna and for the subsistence of communities that depend on fishing and water resources in the region.

published by Patrícia Costa

*Report produced with the help of AI