RALPH WENGE, CNN ANCHOR: Some of Brazil's freshwater fish are also facing another threat: overfishing. The government is trying to protect them, but inspectors are still finding huge quantities of illegal fish for sale in local markets. Brazil's Amazon Network tells us just how serious the problem is.</s>MARCELA ROSA, AMAZON NETWORK CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fishing the peracu (ph), known as the freshwater cod, has been prohibited for the past two years in the Amazon waters. Another fish called the tamaki (ph) can only be caught if it's over 55 centimeters long. The two species are at risk of extinction, but in the street markets of Manaus, it is easy to find fish that are less than 20 centimeters long. In only one day of inspection, the environmental agents confiscated one and a half tons of tamaki and peracu in seven markets of the city. The town hall responsible for the markets will be fined by the environmental institute for allowing the species to be sold.</s>AMISON CORDEIOR, GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR (through translator): It isn't possible to find every single little fish store, so if we have the town hall responsible, we will fine it.</s>ROSA: But the legal track of prohibited fish begins in the boats that enter the city. The agents found tamaki and peracu hidden in among the food. Three tons of fish were found in only two boats. Five people were arrested. This man has already been arrested various times for selling fish in risk of extinction, though he says he will continue commercializing the species no matter what fine he pays.</s>PEDRO FILHO, BOAT OWNER (through translator): Until I find another way to feed my family, I will continue bringing these fish in my boat.</s>ROSA (on camera): In 1980, the average weight of tamaki was 35 pounds. Today, most of those found in Manaus' street markets weigh only 5 pounds. Researchers predict that if the uncontrolled fishing continues, the species will quickly disappear from the Amazon Rivers. Marcela Rosa, from Brazil, with Amazon Network, for CNN WORLD REPORT.
Overfishing Becoming Serious Threat to Brazil's Freshwater Fish