http://gobrazil.about.com/od/festivalsevents/p/fippantanal.htm
Held in Mato Grosso, the Pantanal houses the largest recreational fishing festival in the world. A "catch and release" system was adopted to preserve the several species within the wetland. Recreational fishing in general has become a recreational tourist activity and hence, also poses environmental concerns. However, the festival is said to boost the local economy and investments--which makes it more controversial. I find it quite understandable that a region that I would imagine to be more of a cultural/rustic traveling experience would attract and pursue tourist attractions. I believe that the catch and release methods can be used during the festival, when there are more indigenous professionals, rather than when tourists come on a casual visit--hence diminishing the chance of specie deaths (by accident). The festival is fairly new (started in 1980), so hopefully it is environmentally sustainable.
Natalya Thakur
I think that this is another great example of how the Pantanal ecosystem can both benefit and suffer as a result of ecotourism. While the economic boost is beneficial to the locals, the influx of tourists can put extra stress and pressure on the native species and the surrounding habitat.
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