Pollution of resources

The use of pesticides in fishing is a common practice in Nicaragua and has far-reaching negative effects on public health and the conservation of the aquatic ecosystem.

Fishing with poisons or agrochemicals is also illegal in Nicaragua, even more so in a reserve like Indio Maíz, and Law 489 establishes fines of up to $ 5000 or 6 to 12 months in jail. Existing records of this practice in the news show that it is global in scale, although there is very little research on it in the scientific literature.

Known impacts

Poisons are deadly to many fish, crustaceans, and especially the small aquatic insects that are the primary food source for the aquatic ecosystem.

They are sensitive to poisons because they breathe from water, and the poisons enter the blood system directly through their gills.

Poisons take at least 8 days to decompose, and they do a lot of damage all the way down the river during this active time. This not only affects the site of use.

The effects of ingesting poison range from blindness to seizures, diarrhea and skin infections.