Editor’s Note: The following is from CRE Brazil.

The approximately 3,000 fishermen and shellfish farmers who work in the Bay of Sepetiba, on Rio de Janeiro coast, are facing problems with the accelerated development of the region in recent months. At the same time large steel mills are being built and the port is being expanded, the presence of fish is becoming scarcer. Many who live off of fishing are looking to sustain themselves through other activities.

Given this problem, the State Environmental Institute (INEA) in Rio de Janeiro drew up a sustainable development plan for the region. One idea is to extend the ban on fishing for one year as a way of recovering wildlife. During this period, large companies would support the fishermen in the recovery of boats and other activities.