Vulnerability to overfishing of fish stocks in the Amazon Basin

Abstract

Tropical fisheries are generally multispecific and require management approaches that are adapted to the high diversity exploited, but data series are scarce. An alternative to this scenario is the use of semi-quantitative ecological risk assessments, with productivity and susceptibility analysis (PSA) being one of the most widespread globally. In this study, using data from 3211 questionnaires, the PSA was applied to assess the vulnerability to overfishing of 37 commercially exploited fish species in seven fishery landing points in the Amazon Basin. Vulnerability remained between 0.9 and 2.6, with Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii, Brachyplatystoma filamentosum, Pinirampus pirinampu and Zungaro zungaro being the most vulnerable species (V > 2.0) in all the sampled sub-basins. Given the complexity of regional fishery interactions, it is emphasized that the PSA proved to be an efficient alternative for an initial assessment of the risk of overfishing. A holistic approach, with new or improved current regulations, should have a positive impact on stocks; thereby decreasing the risk of overfishing and the potential loss of economic and social benefits by the population of the region.