In all seasons, fish constitute some of the most reliable animal protein for families. A large diversity of fish species can be found around the community, either in the wide river that runs near houses, or in the small streams that wind their way through the Amazon. This natural bounty solidifies the community's relationship with the river. Cast nets hang in every house.
After a long day working on the farm, wading in the river can be a nice way to catch your dinner; however, this doesn't mean it's easy. Throwing the cast net in a circle is key to making it sink quickly over larger fish. Making sure nothing escapes, the net is slowly reeled in and checked. If the prey is a fish and not a rock, fingernails quickly snap its neck (being careful to avoid painful spines), then place it in a shoulder bag. Repeat until the bag is full.
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Another popular fishing method involves using poisonous plants to stun fish. Traditional knowledge of which plants do this well has been passed down by generations past. Both in the jungle and in major rivers, people are using such methods more than ever before. Click below to explore two techniques, both which involve selecting specific natural ingredients, adding them to the water, then catching the temporarily paralyzed fish.
IN THE RIVER
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IN THE JUNGLE
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Homes have sprouted up along the riverbank as the community's population grows. Despite skill and traditional fishing knowledge, overfishing hurts a fisher's ability to catch sufficient amounts. Population pressuring traditional activities is a common theme in Nuevo Progreso. Historically, houses were spread far apart; hour walks between homes were common.
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In addition to overfishing, this crowding leads to erosion and more sediment in the river. This has impacts not only for the fish populations and food security, but also for flood resilience. Worn down banks can't contain floods as easily; a dangerous situation as heavy rains and flooding becomes more common in the area.
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A dangerous convergence of climate change and population pressure is putting serious strain on one of the most important food sources for the people of Nuevo Progreso. This, in combination with recent difficulties in hunting, has lead the community to change the one thing they have the most control over: farming.