Every September, sport hunting of ducks in Uruguay returns to the center of the debate. Until the 30th of last month, the Ministry of Environment (MA) had a deadline to issue a decree extending the hunting ban.
The activity will continue to be allowed next year, despite scientific and ethical warnings.
Legal framework and technical gaps
Law 9,481 requires population studies to authorize hunting, but these do not yet exist.
Current legislation establishes that hunting of wildlife can only be allowed if it is demonstrated that it does not affect the survival of species or the balance of ecosystems.
However, updated population studies have not been conducted, and the enforcement capacity of the MA is limited, leaving compliance with the rules in the hands of the good faith of hunters.
Technical report and worrying trends
In 2022, the MA recommended extending the ban until 2027 due to the population decline of authorized species.
The report was based on data from the Neotropical Waterbird Census (CNAA) and the analysis of permits issued between 2015 and 2018.
The three authorized species — corn duck, speckled duck, and white-faced duck — showed decreasing trends in the counts, suggesting that hunting could represent a negative pressure on their populations.
“It is recommended to apply the precautionary principle and extend the ban for at least five years,” concludes the report.
Controversy over duck hunting in Uruguay.
Cinegetic tourism and social tensions
The activity is mainly practiced by foreigners, creating distance with the local society.
Sport hunting, also known as cinegetic tourism, is a practice that clashes with the concept of Natural Uruguay and with the values of conservation and respect for biodiversity.
Furthermore, it raises ethical questions about the recreational use of wildlife and its compatibility with sustainable alternatives such as birdwatching tourism.
Permits, quotas, and authorized areas
Up to 150 ducks per hunter per season, with specific geographical restrictions.
The permit costs 3 UR and allows hunting for 10 consecutive days between May 1st and September 15th.
The daily quota is 15 specimens, with a maximum of 2 speckled ducks per day. Hunting is prohibited in Montevideo and in lagoons such as José Ignacio, Garzón, Rocha, Castillos, and Negra, including their hydrographic basins.
Urgency of evidence-based policies
The lack of population studies and systematic monitoring prevents informed decision-making.
“The information presented here should set a precedent for future authorization attempts without technical support,” warn specialists.
Uruguay faces the challenge of articulating conservation, legislation, and citizen participation, prioritizing the precautionary principle and the right to a healthy environment.
