[Animals] Lake Titicaca loses its fish

[Akrapovic]

In the highest lake in the world, overfishing and the effects of climate change reduce catches to the point of putting at risk the economy of the po[CENSORED]tion and the conservation of marine ecosystems

 

 

Angélica Panca, Enrique Cuno's wife, shows a specimen of carachi that fell into the net left the night before. Years ago, there would be several specimens caught here on Lake Titicaca, where climate change and overfishing are ravaging: there are fewer and fewer fish.
An almost dry part on the shores of Lake Titicaca. In recent years, the level of its waters has dropped significantly and one of the causes that are reported is climate change..
The catch of the day for Enrique and Angélica's couple. Just eight specimens of carachi, the fish that can still be caught and found in the markets of Puno, the city of the lake.

The network stretches at sunset, when there may even be waves on Lake Titicaca. The next morning it will be collected, although it can also stay more days waiting for more fish.4 The net is stretched at sunset, when there may even be waves on Lake Titicaca. The next morning it will be collected, although it can also wait for more days for more fish.
At the Unión Dignidad market in the city of Puno, a woman is about to buy fish. She will find some species of carachi, but no longer the extinct humanto or the scarce vogue.e vogue.
A fish vendor cleans several specimens of ispi, another native species, the only one that is in shoal and has been equally impacted, but is still in the markets.6 A fish vendor cleans several specimens of ispi, another native species, the the only one that is in shoal and that has been equally impacted, but is still in the markets.

Trout, an introduced species, is one of the most consumed fish in the area. It has a high protein value, but at the same time it is accused of having caused problems for other species.
Trout, an introduced species, is one of the most consumed fish in the area. It has high protein value, but at the same time it is accused of having caused problems for other species. Carachis offered to the customer.

They are usually sold for five for two soles (just under half a euro). It seems a reasonable price, but not long ago for that amount many more were bought.
Carachis offered to the customer. They are usually sold for five for two soles (just under half a euro). It seems a reasonable price, but not long ago for that amount many more were bought.

A plate of carachi thimpu. Po[CENSORED]r belief holds that he is a "dead lifter" and they call him that; science has confirmed it: the fish has a lot of proteins and minerals.

Lake Titicaca in part of its immensity. It is more than 3,800 meters high and has an area of 8,200 square kilometers shared by two countries: Peru and Bolivia.
A jetty on the lake where a group of fishermen arrive in the early hours. One of the problems is that it is not known exactly how many members of this profession are, between formal and informal.
A load of various fish landing near the city of Chucuito. Mauris, carachis of more than one species are observed. They do not abound as before.

 

LINK: https://elpais.com/elpais/2021/11/12/album/1636735618_511855.html#foto_gal_1