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One of many rocky islands in the Rio Kakada.
Photo by: Jensen Montambault |
Fish Nurseries
WHERE: Río Kakada
(pronounced Cackera)
WHAT: Flooded forests depend on a flood and flow cycle which make these habitats are moderately fragile.
THREATS: The hydraulics of the system could be upset by mining or logging activities upstream, both of which produce sedimentation.
In addition, a water diversion project such as the one suggested by the Venezuelan government to divert water to the río Caroní would also harm this system.
GOOD NEWS: The Ye'kwana people already consider the Kakada a conservation area because it is a nursery for fish.
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A bare, sandy island in the Rio Kakada.
Photo by: Jensen Montambault |
Commercial Fisheries
"We don't allow fishing here," Alberto tells me as we climb the Río Nichare to the Río Tawado. The Ye'kwana had this area declared a Venezuelan Natural Monument. "You can fish for what your family can eat, but not to sell."
Commercial fishermen do occasionally enter indigenous territory without permission to fish. When this happens the community goes out to speak to that fisherman and ask them to leave.
If they do not cooperate, the indigenous plug into their efficient radio system and ask for assistance. It's not just the Criollos (Spanish speaking Venezuelans) though.
A Ye'kwana fisherman, Denis, from Boca de Nichare says that although it is not the custom, they have been selling some fish from the non-reserve area.
"The last 2 years have been very bad. Fish catches are going down and there is little other work if you need money."
— Reported by Jensen Montambault
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