Cruzeiro do Sul fish supply shifts to aquaculture due to drought

A prolonged drought and low water levels in the rivers of Cruzeiro do Sul, located in the Vale do Juruá region, have significantly reduced the supply of wild-caught fish. According to Francisco Valdeci, president of the local fish sellers' association, the lack of water prevents fish from moving to spawning areas, making them harder to capture.

To mitigate the shortage, local producers are increasingly relying on pisciculture (fish farming). This sector has seen growth in the Acre region and serves as a vital alternative to ensure food security, especially with the upcoming closed fishing season (defeso) scheduled to begin on November 15.

Despite the decrease in natural river fish, market prices have remained stable. For over three years, the price of fish has fluctuated between R$ 25 and R$ 27 per kilogram, depending on the species and whether the product is cleaned.