No. Magnet fishing in Brazil operates in a legal gray zone, where activities may violate antiquities, environmental, or public safety laws unless explicitly permitted.
Key Regulations for Magnet Fishing in Brazil
- Cultural Heritage Protection (Law No. 13.096/2015): Disturbing submerged archaeological sites or artifacts is prohibited without authorization from the Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (IPHAN), risking fines up to R$100,000.
- Environmental Crimes (Law No. 9.605/1998): Dredging or removing objects from rivers, lakes, or coastal areas may constitute environmental damage, requiring permits from IBAMA or state agencies like INEA (RJ).
- Public Safety & Navigation (Portaria Normativa No. 20/2021): Obstructing waterways or recovering unexploded ordnance (UXO) triggers mandatory reporting to the Marinha do Brasil, with potential military intervention.
Compliance Risks: Even “harmless” finds (e.g., coins, jewelry) may be classified as cultural property under IPHAN’s 2026 draft guidelines, mandating state custody. Non-compliance carries penalties under the Código Penal (Art. 165) for theft of public property. Always verify local ordinances, as municipalities like São Paulo impose additional restrictions via Decreto Municipal No. 58.100/2018.