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Brazilian Researchers Discover Endangered Lemon Sharks Preying on Freshwater Fish in Sueste Bay

In a fascinating turn of events, researchers have documented endangered lemon sharks preying on invasive freshwater fish. Lemon sharks have been filmed hunting jaguar cichlids for the very first time, in Sueste Bay. The study has been published in the Environmental Biology of Fishes, with FAPESP offering its support for the study.

Jaguar Cichlids are Freshwater Fish living in Saltwater Inlets

Interestingly, when you break down the data we know, Sueste Bay is a saltwater inlet. With that said, jaguar cichlids are freshwater fish. Heavy rain has caused freshwater lakes to overflow into the bay, which has made the cichlids disoriented. Their erratic behaviour has made it easier for lemon sharks to target them. Not only is this an interesting development, but it also highlights the opportunistic feeding behaviour of lemon sharks. With Brazil as a whole being such a biodiverse hotspot, with freshwater and saltwater marine ecosystems, a lot of conservation work is being done to try to protect endangered species. Not only are locals working to restore marine nurseries, but they are also improving awareness of endangered species so that they can be protected.

Photo: Pexels

Awareness of Fishing Conservation is Growing

As time goes on, fishing conservation is growing at a rapid rate in Brazil. A lot of this is due to the media. Fishing TV shows, including Welcome to the Jungle with Steve Townson and Fishing Expedition Amazonia is helping to show how alluring fishing can be, and how important it is to protect our marine ecosystems. Even Robson’s Extreme Fishing Challenge has done an episode in Brazil, showing the challenges that come with the Xingu Rivers, and the importance of sustainability. Several podcasts discuss this theme, with enthusiasts discussing conservation, experiences with rare species, and more. Fishing is also a prominent theme in slot machines online. Titles like Hot Tuna, the Big Bass franchise, and Fishin’ Frenzy all showcase fishing in different ways. Not only do they feature different species of fish, but they also highlight the methods of catching them, whether it’s via net, rod, or fishing boat, which helps to bring fishing to the forefront once more.

As media coverage grows and as awareness of fish and their behavioral habits becomes clearer, Brazil’s rich ecosystems should continue to thrive. By connecting audiences to conservation and by showcasing thrilling encounters on social media, such as lemon sharks preying on invasive species, it’s possible to highlight how exciting fishing can be, while prompting sustainable practices.

Movements like this will help to ensure that the freshwater and marine ecosystems in Brazil continue to thrive, and they will also make sure that special efforts are put into ensuring that endangered fish are given a new chance to thrive.

Even though lemon sharks are endangered, we are seeing a rise in conservation programs for them, which is helping to ensure that they are protected moving forward. With that said, we are also seeing more and more changes in feeding habits, meaning that lemon sharks may continue to thrive once again.

Argentina’s lower house backs Milei labour reform bill without article 44

The bill passed the chamber with 135 votes in favour and 115 against, with no abstentions, according to local reports

Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies approved President Javier Milei’s “labour modernisation” bill on Thursday, but with a last-minute change that removed article 44, one of the proposal’s most disputed provisions. Because the text was amended, it must return to the Senate for a final vote, a timetable the government wants completed ahead of the March 1 opening of the ordinary congressional session.

The bill passed the chamber with 135 votes in favour and 115 against, with no abstentions, according to local reports. The government managed to open the debate by scraping together the minimum quorum (129), relying on allied blocs and provincial lawmakers to reach the threshold.

The initiative arrived on the floor after clearing the Senate, but Deputies struck out article 44 — a clause that had become a flashpoint even among some government partners. The provision would have changed pay rules during “non-work-related” sick leave or accidents, setting reduced wage percentages depending on the circumstances.

Ahead of the session, Peronist lawmakers focused on preventing quorum. “Giving quorum is the same as voting,” they argued, betting that once debate began the government would have the numbers to push the bill through.

Once proceedings started, the debate featured sharp exchanges and renewed scrutiny of governors’ influence over provincial delegations. Parliamentary accounts said some lawmakers who helped provide quorum later voted against the bill at key stages.

Article 44 removed

Article 44 would have reduced wage payments during non-work-related sick leave, setting a 50% or 75% pay scheme for defined periods. Its removal in the lower house would leave the current sick-leave rules in place, according to technical breakdowns circulated during the public debate.

What the bill changes

The Deputies’ version keeps broader changes to collective bargaining (including ending “ultraactivity” and giving precedence to company-level or narrower agreements), strike rules that require minimum service levels for activities labelled essential, and working-time provisions such as a “hours bank” mechanism that can allow the workday to extend up to 12 hours under certain conditions.

It also includes measures aimed at promoting formal employment and revises aspects of severance and related payments, including the possibility of instalments in some cases.

With article 44 removed, the Senate will now have to decide whether to accept the change or insist on its earlier wording. The government is pushing to secure final passage before March 1, when Milei is due to address Congress at the start of the ordinary session.

Venezuela passes unanimous amnesty law, excluding armed actions and serious crimes

Rights group Foro Penal has said that, despite recent releases, hundreds of people remain imprisoned for political reasons in Venezuela.

Venezuela’s National Assembly unanimously approved an amnesty law on Thursday aimed at covering people prosecuted or convicted in political-crisis episodes between 2002 and 2025, a measure lawmakers said is designed to speed releases and close related court cases. The bill was sent to the Miraflores presidential palace for enactment and would take effect once formally published.

The text sets out explicit exclusions. Those who supported, facilitated, financed or took part in “armed actions” or coercive acts against citizens, sovereignty or territorial integrity — including actions backed by foreign states or corporations — are not eligible. The law also bars beneficiaries linked to serious offenses such as grave human-rights violations, crimes against humanity or war crimes, intentional homicide, drug trafficking and crimes against public assets, according to the approved articles.

Implementation is tied to 13 specific flashpoints of political and social unrest — including the 2002 coup, the 2002–2003 oil strike, protest cycles in 2014, 2017 and 2019, the 2023 opposition primary process, the 2024 presidential election unrest and the 2025 regional and legislative election context — though lawmakers also authorized a commission to review cases falling outside that list.

On the enforcement side, the law creates a parliamentary follow-up commission with authority to hire experts and monitor implementation. It also introduces a deadline: courts must review and grant amnesty measures within 15 days. For people abroad, the text allows requests to be filed through legal representation.

During the debate, ruling-party and opposition lawmakers framed the unanimous vote as a political signal, while disagreeing on scope and procedure. In the same session, Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez said a separate “Law Against Hate” could be amended after what he described as cases of “misapplication,” an issue raised by families and civil-society groups.

The vote follows weeks of releases and sustained public pressure from relatives. Rights group Foro Penal has said that, despite recent releases, hundreds of people remain imprisoned for political reasons in Venezuela.