In February 2023, Lagoa do Peixe, located on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, faced one of its most challenging periods in history—a historic drought that not only transformed the landscape but also led to the unfortunate demise of numerous animals inhabiting the region. Nearly a year later, the lagoon, rejuvenated by heavy rains in Rio Grande do Sul, refilled, marking the revival of shrimp fishing—a crucial economic activity for the fishermen in Mostardas and Tavares.

Recovery Continues for Lagoon and Shrimp

Jair Lucrécio, the president of the Z11 Fishermen’s Colony, reported that Lagoa do Peixe is gradually recovering. While the water levels remain low, there is optimism as no shrimp fatalities were recorded. However, the lingering impact of last year’s drought has resulted in a lower shrimp population. Lucrécio anticipates a significant increase in shrimp abundance by March or April, towards the end of the harvest, as the lagoon continues to foster new generations.

Fisherman’s Perspective

Gilmar Copelo Brum, known as Alemão, shared his experiences as a fisherman in the region. Despite the rising water levels in recent months, the size of the shrimp remains modest. Alemão currently averages around 1kg of shrimp per 15kg fished, with shrimp sizes reaching approximately 8cm on average. Although the harvest is promising, Alemão acknowledges that it’s not at its peak, catching around half a kilo of shrimp per net thrown. He remains hopeful that by the end of the summer, the production will see a significant improvement.

Challenges Faced During the Drought Years

Lagoa do Peixe endured two consecutive years of historic droughts, with approximately 50% of the water drying up in 2022 and over 90% in 2023. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), responsible for managing the Lagoa do Peixe National Park, has initiated collaborative efforts with universities and ICMBio’s Research Centers to address critical situations and find solutions to minimize the damage caused by droughts. A working group has been established to define technical criteria aimed at mitigating the effects of potential future droughts.