Paraná River Rise Fails to Alleviate Fishing Crisis Amidst Algae and Cold in Ayolas

Commercial fishermen in Ayolas, Paraguay, are struggling to recover from a prolonged crisis, even as the Paraná River's water level has risen. The expected boost to fishing activity has been thwarted by a massive influx of aquatic algae and persistently cold weather.

Agustín Segovia, a member of the Paraná River Professional Fishermen's Association, explained that the algae clog fishing lines and nets, damaging equipment used to catch species like boga, dorado, and pacú. Compounding the problem, recent low temperatures have pushed fish into deeper parts of the river, making them inaccessible to the fishermen.

"There was a lot of expectation with the river's rise because there would be a possibility of schools of fish arriving in the Ayolas area, but because of the cold, the schools stay in areas where the Paraná is deeper. Right now, we are being very affected because we cannot work," Segovia stated.

Fishermen's association leaders are set to meet to discuss stalled negotiations with the Yacyretá Binational Entity. Their demands include cleaning the river of algae, providing temporary employment, and distributing food kits to support families reliant on commercial fishing. If an agreement isn't reached by Wednesday, fishermen are prepared to demonstrate outside the Yacyretá offices in Ayolas.

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There was a lot of expectation with the river's rise because there would be a possibility of schools of fish arriving in the Ayolas area, but because of the cold, the schools stay in areas where the Paraná is deeper. Right now, we are being very affected because we cannot work.