- Piracema
Piracema is the name given to the period of the year when
fish within theParaguay River drainage basin ―which includes thePantanal region in theBrazil ian states ofMato Grosso andMato Grosso do Sul ―reproduce.The season lasts from October to March, during which the fish swim upstream to lay their eggs and reproduce. Thus the season is critical for the maintenance of fish populations in the waters of the local
river s andlake s. Both of the Brazilian states prohibitfishing during this period.Prohibition of Fishing
Measures have been taken as a way of preventing impacts from
overfishing during the "piracema" period.In the states of
Mato Grosso andMato Grosso do Sul it is a crime to fish in any location that has been designated by any environmental institution.The use of
explosive s, toxic substances, fishing gear such as spears, harpoons, drag nets, and diving equipment are all prohibited by law, since they can affect the life cycles of the fish population.Some
species of fish are protected and they can only be caught if they are within a certain size range. For example, the dourado, scientific name "Salminus maxillosus", can only be caught if it is no longer than 55 cm.External links
* [http://www.geocities.com/projetopiracema/ Projeto Piracema (Nonprofit organization)]
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