The Brazilian government says it will ban the catch of a type of catfish in an effort to halt killing of the Amazon pink dolphin, whose flesh is used as bait.

Fishing ministry spokesman Ultimo Valadares says the government is working out the details of a five-year moratorium on fishing of the species known as piracatinga, but it is expected to go into effect early next year.

He said on Tuesday that the temporary ban “should give us enough time to find an alternative bait for the piracatinga”.

Amazonas state environmental activist Nivia do Campo welcomed the news because more than 1500 of the freshwater dolphins are killed annually in the Mamiraua Reserve where she studies the mammals.