Piracema: inspection of water sources in the interior of SP begins this Sunday, November 1st

With the start of the piracema this Sunday (1st), the Environmental Police has intensified inspections of rivers and dams to combat illegal fishing during the fish reproduction period in the interior of São Paulo.

In the regions of São José do Rio Preto and Araçatuba, Bauru and Marília, Presidente Prudente, Itapetininga, Sorocaba and Jundiaí, specimens of native freshwater species cannot be removed from water sources.

A normative instruction from the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) establishes that the restriction will remain in force until February 28, 2027 in São Paulo.

The extraction of non-native species, such as tilapia, peacock bass and croaker, remains permitted in authorized locations, as long as the standards established by legislation are respected. In this case, federal regulations establish a limit of 10 kilos plus one specimen of the species permitted for amateur fishermen.

In an interview with g1, Gabriel de Melo, captain of the Environmental Police battalion in the São José do Rio Preto region, explains that there are exceptions in force for some rivers.

"There are specific restrictions in certain watercourses. In the Aguapeí, do Peixe, São José dos Dourados rivers and their respective tributaries covered by the standard, for example, all types of fishing are prohibited during the closed season. There are also closed sections in the Grande, Tietê, Pardo, Paranapanema and Mogi Guaçu rivers", he points out.

Penalties

Failure to comply with standards may result in fines and liability for an environmental crime.

In the state of São Paulo, fishing violations during a restrictive period or prohibited location generate a fine of an initial amount of R$1,000.00, which can reach R$100,000, plus R$20 per fraction or kilogram of fish irregularly removed from the waters.

"In addition to the fine, fish, nets, vessels, engines and other instruments used in the commission of the offense may be seized, subject to legal requirements. In the criminal sphere, article 34 of Federal Law No. 9,605/1998 provides for a prison sentence of one to three years, or a fine, or both cumulatively", concludes Gabriel.

In cases of repeat offense, penalties may be increased. During the piracema period, the practice of catch and release does not authorize fishing aimed at native species. If the fisherman accidentally catches it, the guide is to return the fish to its natural habitat.

Risks to the environment

The main purpose of piracema is to allow fish to reproduce and for natural resources to be preserved for future generations. Failure to comply with regulations during the restriction period may cause imbalances in aquatic ecosystems. The genetic diversity and reproduction capacity of species will also be harmed in cases of non-compliance.

"The impacts would not only be ecological. The decrease in fishing stocks would also harm professional, amateur and sport fishing, tourism and economic activities related to rivers and reservoirs", concludes the captain.

Inspection

Since this Sunday, the Environmental Police have intensified inspections. Public participation by reporting irregular fishing by calling 190 helps authorities identify possible offenders.

Between November 2025 and February this year, 19 vessels were seized in the São José do Rio Preto region and around R$533,000 in fines were imposed. The environmental police also seized 110 units of fishing nets and 216 units of other equipment used to carry out the activity.