ALEX Arjoon and his sister, Victoria of Reel Guyana recently embarked on a journey without knowing what they were going to do but packed up one day and went to Apoteri Village, the northern part of Essequibo River, in Region Nine, after learning of the plight of arapaimas that were dying due to severe drought.
There they met locals and other like-minded individuals including some conservationists who participated in a dangerous feat to rescue the arapaimas, the largest freshwater fish in the world. The arapaimas were trapped in dried-up ponds and other bodies of water including lagoons and creeks.

Arjoon and Victoria featured the entire process of rescuing the arapaimas via a documentary titled “Releasing the Giants: Saving Guyana’s Endangered Arapaima” which premiered at Movie Towne on Saturday during a private launch.
The film tells the story of the relentless conservation efforts of the indigenous peoples of Apoteri Village. Facing an extended drought, Apoteri’s Sports Fishing tourism, their main form of livelihood, is under threat. Arapaimas migrate back and forth from ponds to the rivers during the wet season and are trapped within the forest due to low water levels that shut down their aquatic corridor.

As they become extremely vulnerable in the shallow ponds, they are an easy prey to large predators causing the eco-tourism industry of Apoteri to be at risk. Facing a potential disaster due to extreme climate conditions, the Apoteri villagers must form a rescue team and save as many Arapaimas as they can before the population is irreparably destroyed.
This film embodies determination, grit, and a community’s commitment to safeguarding their resources for future generations. It showcases the numerous causes in our country that deserve to be fought for, highlighting the incredible individuals who will go to great lengths to ensure their preservation.

Arjoon noted that it was a perilous task, but thanks to the partnership and teamwork fostered by the community, they successfully rescued numerous arapaimas trapped in dried-up ponds.
He said that the effort was made possible through the support of ExxonMobil and SBM Offshore Guyana. Arjoon recounted that when he received a phone call in early April, they had no plan and nothing in place. Nevertheless, they decided to go to the location. After witnessing the dire situation of the giant arapaima firsthand, he realised they had to take action to rescue them.
He shared with the Sunday Chronicle that some of the arapaimas were trapped in shallow waters over six feet deep. He expressed his desire to tell the story himself, rather than letting others narrate it for him through the documentary.

Arjoon revealed that the film is about 20 minutes long and packed with intense non-stop action from start to finish as a community banded together to make a difference in the rescue efforts of the arapaimas.
“Before our upcoming documentary ‘Releasing the Giants’ airs next weekend, we’d like to take this moment to give you a bit of insight into the people who are the unsung heroes of the incredible arapaima rescue operation. Hailing from primarily Apoteri village (with a few members from Fairview Village, and Paraiba Lodge), this fantastic group of people banded together to protect one of their most precious natural resources — the Arapaima. Rescuing these giants is by no means an easy feat, as it literally takes a village to make this journey possible,” he said.

Arjoon explained that due to the extended drought and dry season, several parts of our rainforest have become extremely susceptible to fires and have been destroyed. He noted that in many areas along the Essequibo in Region Nine, you can’t travel 200 meters on the river without encountering smoke. Arjoon explained that most of these fires are unintentional, as there are no humans nearby for miles. Consequently, vast stretches of forest have been destroyed, and many animals have been severely injured or killed. He highlighted that one particularly affected species is the giant arapaima, which migrates between the river and ponds to spawn and reproduce.

“Because of the drought they have been stuck in their ponds along the river and are vulnerable to predators, particularly jaguars. This is a normal part of our ecosystem and the food chain but with the extended drought, arapaima populations are at risk of swindling rapidly causing significant losses and greatly affecting the eco-tourism product,” he said.
Arjoon pointed out that these giants are a big part of catch-and-release fishing that brings in sustainable income to indigenous villages such as Apoteri who benefit from their protection.

“I was super fortunate to join a team from Apoteri and supported by Piraiba Lodge and Fairview Village to go on a relocating mission to save these majestic creatures. The experience was so eye-opening and insightful. In a few days, we managed to move around 10 giants from pond to river, some of which measure over 8ft and 400lbs,” he said.
Arjoon explained that their work is far from finished, as many ponds along the river still hold arapaimas struggling to survive amid dwindling water levels. The team remains in the field, doing their utmost to relocate as many fish as possible.

He emphasised that this situation exemplifies how collaboration among various stakeholders through sustainable livelihood initiatives can create real change. Ultimately, Guyana benefits from individuals who selflessly pursue the greater good with unwavering dedication.
Meanwhile, Campbell James, Community Ranger and Chairman of Community Tourism of Apoteri Village told the Sunday Chronicle that in 2000, a conservation/awareness project was birthed with Iwokrama and the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDB).

He reported that in 2001, they began an exact count of the arapaima population, which totalled 450 across 300 ponds. By 2002, that number had risen to 1,000, indicating a growing population over the years. He shared that the most recent count showed 6,000 arapaimas, and in Apoteri Village, they promote sport fishing as part of their eco-tourism efforts, utilising a “catch and release” method to ensure no arapaimas are harmed or hunted as game.

James noted that within the community, residents sustain themselves through hunting and fishing, but arapaimas are only consumed during heritage celebrations. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of conserving other fish species and animals, including aquarium and tropical fish.
James mentioned that they are actively seeking financial support to develop a conservation plan aimed at ensuring sustainable practices among fishermen for the giant fish. They have also been engaging local youth in volunteer work, providing stipends for their participation.

He highlighted the devastating effects of climate change on wildlife and emphasised the need to partner with local operators and others to assist with fuel and logistics for conservation efforts. James pointed out that due to severe drought in Apoteri Village, animals are increasingly encroaching on residential areas in search of food and water, a situation worsened by the forest fires that occurred in February and March of this year.
Nigel John, a Forest Ranger in Apoteri Village, stated that the documentary reflects their daily commitment to promoting biodiversity and conservation. He noted that the community united for a common cause, successfully rescuing many arapaimas facing certain death in dried-up ponds.
He reported that the drought has taken a significant toll on both animals and the environment, highlighting the need for partnerships to advance conservation efforts. As a result of the community’s direct actions, over 60 arapaimas were saved and relocated to larger bodies of water. Unfortunately, some were predated by jaguars in shallow ponds, with one incident resulting in 14 arapaimas being trapped and eaten.