Great Barracuda - Sphyraena barracuda

Great Barracuda - Sphyraena barracuda

April 16, 2011

Fishermen v. Amazon River Dolphins

Photo credit: Kevin Schafer

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It's an age-old conflict. Fishermen need to make a living. They compete with top predators for their shared prey. Often, the top predators become the fishermen's enemy and then quarry. (Think California sea lions v. Salmon fishermen). This New York Times article relates the story of the Amazon River Dolphin and the Amazonian fishermen who kill them for their flesh and bones. The bones are used to attract catfish which are then sold to customers under a pseudonym. Will the conservationists be able to convince the fishermen to use other methods (pig meat)? Or, is their loathing too deeply ingrained?

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