Fishers' ecological knowledge points to fishing-induced changes in the Peruvian Amazon

Area of Science:

• Fisheries science
• Ethnoecology
• Conservation biology

Background:

• Fishers' ecological knowledge (FEK) is increasingly used for fisheries management.
• The Lower Ucayali River in Peru is a biodiverse region vital for Amazonian fisheries.
• Scientific data on fish stock status in the region is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess temporal changes in fish species composition and size using FEK.
• To develop and apply FEK-based indicators for evaluating fish assemblage changes.
• To compare FEK findings with available landings data.

Main Methods:

• Interviews with fishers from 18 communities in the Lower Ucayali River.
• Data collection on fishing experience since the mid-1950s.
• Development and application of four FEK-based indicators.
• Comparison of FEK with landings data.

Main Results:

• Intensification of fishing gear use over time was observed.
• Spatiotemporal shifts in the fish assemblage and declining species weight were reported.
• Evidence of a fishing-down process affecting multiple species was identified.
• A shifting baseline in species perception was noted between younger and older fishers.

Conclusions:

• FEK provides valuable insights into fishing-induced changes in Amazonian fish assemblages.
• Declines in fish species may be underreported in aggregated landings data.
• FEK indicators are useful tools for fisheries management and conservation in the region.
• Spillover effects from Pacaya-Samira National Reserve and community initiatives support the fishery.