Key Facts
- ✓ Nearly 19 km of illegal fishing nets were removed from rivers in Rondônia over the last two months.
- ✓ The operation targets 'malhadeiras' nets, which cause significant environmental impact in the middle and lower Madeira river.
- ✓ Enforcement began in November 2025 to coincide with the closed fishing season (defeso) protecting fish reproduction.
- ✓ The State Secretariat for Environmental Development (Sedam) and military police are leading the operation.
- ✓ In addition to nets, authorities seized firearms and chainsaws and issued fines.
Quick Summary
State environmental enforcement in Rondônia has successfully removed nearly 19 kilometers of illegal fishing nets from regional waterways. This large-scale operation took place over the last two months, targeting critical river sections.
The confiscated gear, known locally as malhadeiras, poses a severe threat to aquatic ecosystems. Their removal is vital for protecting fish populations during the reproductive season.
Key details of the enforcement action include:
- Seizure of nearly 19 km of illegal nets
- Operations in the Guaporé, Ji-Paraná, Rio Preto, and Madeira rivers
- Concurrent seizure of firearms and chainsaws
- Issuance of administrative fines
The initiative is a joint effort by state agencies to enforce fishing bans and secure the environment.
Operation Scope and Targets
Authorities in Rondônia have conducted a rigorous environmental operation resulting in the removal of approximately 19 km of illegal fishing nets. The operation spanned the last two months, focusing on strategic stretches of major rivers.
The targeted waterways include the Guaporé, Ji-Paraná, Rio Preto, and Madeira rivers. The nets confiscated are identified as malhadeiras, a type of gear notorious for its destructive impact on local biodiversity.
These nets are particularly damaging in the middle and lower sections of the Madeira river. These specific areas are recognized as fundamental habitats for the reproduction of various fish species. By deploying these nets illegally, poachers disrupt the natural life cycle of the ecosystem.
Timing and Environmental Impact
The enforcement initiative commenced in November 2025, strategically aligning with the start of the defeso period. This is a legally mandated closed season for fishing designed to protect fish stocks during their most vulnerable reproductive phase.
The use of malhadeiras during this period is strictly prohibited due to the catastrophic damage they inflict on spawning populations. State officials emphasized that the removal of these nets is the operation's primary objective.
The direct threat these nets pose to the balance of fish stocks cannot be overstated. Unchecked illegal fishing threatens the long-term sustainability of the region's aquatic resources. The operation aims to mitigate these risks through active surveillance and interdiction.
Agencies and Additional Seizures
The operation is a coordinated effort involving multiple Rondônia state agencies. The Secretaria de Estado do Desenvolvimento Ambiental (Sedam), specifically through the Coordenadoria de Proteção Ambiental (Copam), leads the administrative and fieldwork.
Support is provided by the Polícia Militar, which includes specialized units such as the Batalhão de Polícia Ambiental (BPA) and the Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (Bope). This collaboration ensures comprehensive coverage of the vast river systems.
Beyond the removal of fishing nets, the task force has secured additional contraband. The teams have successfully recollected:
- Firearms
- Chainsaws
- Various illegal fishing equipment
Furthermore, authorities have applied administrative fines to violators caught within the restricted areas, reinforcing the state's commitment to environmental law enforcement.
