Luruaco Lagoon fishing declines due to drought and heat

Drought, high temperatures, and sedimentation are severely impacting artisanal fishing in the Luruaco Lagoon, located in the Atlántico department of Colombia. The lack of rainfall has directly lowered water levels and disrupted the ecosystem, while rising temperatures have affected fish food availability.

Local fishermen report that fishing activity in the Atlántico region has decreased by approximately 80%. To compensate for the scarcity, workers are spending up to 13 hours on the water, often returning with only two or three kilograms of fish, a significant drop from previous seasons. This decline is causing substantial economic hardship for families dependent on this livelihood.

While authorities have initiated restocking efforts by releasing fingerlings into various water bodies in the department, fishing representatives argue that these measures must be paired with broader actions to address climate conditions and protect aquatic ecosystems.