AN influencer has been hit with a six-figure fine after sharing a video of birds being fed BBQ meat during a boat trip.
Officials say Carlinhos Maia filmed two men chucking pieces of grilled beef to wild animals circling above the vessel.
Carlinhos Maia recorded two men feeding wild bird BBQ meatCredit: NewsX
He later posted it to his social media, provoking the anger of authoritiesCredit: NewsX
Carlinhos Maia has now been told to pay £150,000Credit: Newsflash
The Brazilian social media star has been told to pay £150,000 by authorities who claim his actions constitute an environmental .
The clip, later posted to Maia’s social media accounts, was deemed serious enough for ‘s environmental protection agency to issue the penalty.
Authorities said the men who physically fed the were fined separately, but Maia was punished for publishing and profiting from the footage.
Agency head, Lilian Hangae, said: “Carlinhos Maia was on a vessel with colleagues who fed birds barbecue, which is an environmental crime.
“The video was posted on social media. This is the reason for the violation.”
Officials added the amount was partly based on Maia’s huge online reach of 35 million followers.
The birds seen in the video were identified as magnificent frigatebirds.
This protected seabird species is common to the islands of Fernando de Noronha where the shocking footage was filmed.
Environmental authorities say feeding them beef is considered abusive because it is not part of their natural diet, harming their .
It can even disrupt their behaviour, putting the ecological balance of the area out of sync.
Maia has since hit back online, branding the punishment “one of the biggest absurdities I’ve ever seen in my life.”
The influencer insisted that he did not personally feed the birds.
“I didn’t feed them. I accept a fine, no problem, but a fair fine,” he said.
“They are asking me for BRL 1 million because I posted a story of that moment.”
The influencer said his legal team is preparing to challenge the fine in court.
They will argue that similar cases on the island have only led to fines of around £750.
Carlinhos Maia has over 35 million followers on InstagramCredit: Newsflash
Officials say the amount was partly based on Maia’s huge online followingCredit: Newsflash
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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