Outrage over the violent capture and killing of dorados in the Río de la Plata
A group of fishermen trapped a school of dorados that were growing in the estuary and beat them to death with clubs. The incident took place on Oyarvide Island, which is part of the San Fernando District and a biological reserve in the Province of Buenos Aires.
The situation of the dorado
The dorado was abundant in its habitat, but its population has decreased due to overfishing in the Paraná River and pollution from fuel spills and toxic waste. The ban on commercial fishing aims to align fishing regulations with the restrictions in other provinces in the region to preserve the species.
Reasons to preserve this fish include concerns for all species, due to the low water levels of the Paraná River. Although there are still dorados, their size is decreasing. The lagoons where they enter to spawn are no longer connected to the river during the low water levels, affecting their reproduction and conservation.
Factors affecting dorados
The dorado population in the Paraná River has decreased due to:
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Overfishing: In the 1980s, dorado fishing reached 200 tons annually.
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Pollution: Fuel spills and toxic waste contaminating their habitat.
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Low water levels in rivers: Natural phenomena that destroy spawning grounds and nursery areas.
Islanders reported to Environmental News that the dorados come down to that area to feed, as they do not reproduce there. After the flood two years ago, the dorados returned to the Río de la Plata.
Matías, a frequent visitor, highlighted the “lack of control by the Argentine Naval Prefecture, which did nothing when they saw the situation.” Other islanders requested that this ecological damage be made public to prevent it from happening again. It was reported that the killing of dorados was aimed at selling them, and any unsold fish were turned into fishmeal.
The stance of countries in the region
In Argentina and Brazil, commercial fishing of dorado is prohibited, though sport fishing with catch and release is allowed. In Paraguay, there is a pending bill on the matter.
Distribution of the dorado
The dorado inhabits the Plata basin, in the Paraná, Uruguay, and Río de la Plata rivers. Its color is yellow-orange on the dorsal region, with golden flanks and a silver ventral area. Fishing in Paraguay and Argentina is regulated, with closures during spawning season and size restrictions.
It is crucial to report irresponsible behaviors that affect the biodiversity of our rivers. We need the Argentine Naval Prefecture to act swiftly to prevent the depletion of our natural resources.
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