Aquatic life is slowly returning to the El Palote dam. after having overcome almost two years of severe drought, which allows fishermen and authorities to organize the planting of new specimens de peces at the reservoir. Thanks to recent rains and coordinated efforts, the dam is beginning to fill again, generating positive expectations for the local fishing sector and the natural environment of León Metropolitan Park.
The current water level is around 34% of the total capacity. of the dam, according to the León Drinking Water and Sewerage Service (SAPAL). This recovery, although still far from optimal, has prompted an immediate response from fishermen and the public administration to reactivate economic activities and preserve the area's ecosystem.
First steps for stocking and returning fish
As announced by the Secretariat for the Economic Reactivation of León, the first sowing is going to be carried out de peces in the coming daysThe initiative has the support of the El Molino subdivision, whose lake is overpopulated. de peces. About 1,500 specimens will be transferred from El Molino to the El Palote dam. to repopulate the reservoir and promote the development of fishing in the area. The Rural Development Directorate also actively participates in the planting, contributing fry which will serve to guarantee the reproductive cycle of the introduced species.
El transfer and planting process It is managed by the 22 registered fishermen who have historically worked at the dam. These professionals have organized themselves into different committees to handle the transportation and planting tasks, and they hold official permits and accreditations. The introduction of species into reservoirs requires responsible monitoring. to avoid imbalances in the ecosystem.
The fry need between eight and twelve months to reach the right size for fishing. It is expected that, if conditions remain favorable, the first catch of mature specimens could be made in about six months, allowing fishermen to fully resume their activities after the halt forced by the drought.
Cleaning and preparing the environment: tasks prior to planting
Before starting the sowing de peces, a thorough cleaning of the dam and its surroundings has been carried out. Fishermen have removed at least 50 tons of waste, including tires, old furniture, and other debris washed away by rain and streams. This action is essential to ensure the proper development of fish and the conservation of the local ecosystem, as well as to improve conditions for visitors and users of León Metropolitan Park.
The public has also been urged to cooperate by avoiding littering in streams and areas near the reservoir, as anything discarded in the upper reaches ends up in the dam and hinders the environmental recovery process. Thus, collaborative work between fishermen, authorities, and residents is key to the success of the initiative.
Outlook for the coming months
The reactivation of fishing at the El Palote dam depends largely on continued rainfall over the coming weeks. The weather forecast indicates a high probability of precipitation, which is expected to further raise the water level. The dam is currently at 34% of its capacity, with an elevation of 1,833.42 meters above sea level and a volume of more than 3 million cubic meters. Annual accumulated rainfall is around 207 mm, according to recent SAPAL data. For a deeper understanding of aquatic conservation technologies and results, please visit innovations in monitoring de peces.
The planting contemplates the introduction of species such as tent y tilapia, seeking not only to revive fishing but also to strengthen the ecological balance and promote natural reproduction, thus closing the reservoir's productive cycle. Authorities have also planned to maintain social support for fishermen, ensuring they have alternatives until commercial activity becomes viable again.
The recovery of aquatic life and the involvement of fishermen and the administration open the door to a gradual recovery of the El Palote Dam after a difficult period due to lack of water. Activities such as planting de peces and the continued improvement of environmental conditions, the area has the potential to once again become a key point for fishing, tourism, and ecological conservation in León.