Bolivian Fishermen Face Off Against Giant ‘Paiche’ Invasion in the Amazon
For over 50 years, Guillermo Otta Parum fished native species in the Bolivian Amazon until the arrival of the paiche, a massive freshwater fish.
Growing up to 4m and weighing over 200kg, the paiche poses a threat to native fish stocks, spreading 40km deeper into Amazon rivers each year.
While scientists like Fernando Carvajal warn of its impact on biodiversity, local fishermen have embraced the paiche’s economic potential.
However, clashes arise as commercial fishermen, requiring special licenses, compete with indigenous communities protecting their resources.
The struggle unfolds amid uncertainty about the paiche’s long-term effects on the Amazon ecosystem. [Source: BBC]
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-66786995