🐟 Giant fish in the Amazon recovers, after successful efforts by local population

• The arapaima, one of the world's largest freshwater fish, is increasing in numbers in the Amazon.
• Local communities have introduced sustainable fishing methods that led to a 425% increase in 11 years.

Successful recovery for endangered species

The arapaima, a giant fish that can grow up to three meters long and weigh 225 kg, was close to extinction a decade ago due to overfishing. Now, new research shows that the species is recovering rapidly in the Amazon.

João Campos-Silva, a Brazilian ecologist, has studied the development. His research shows that in areas where local communities have introduced sustainable fishing methods, the number of arapaimas increased by 425% over an 11-year period. According to Campos-Silva, the increase has now reached 600%, although these figures have not yet been published.

Key role of local population

About 1100 communities in the Amazon have adopted conservation initiatives for the arapaima. Campos-Silva has worked with about 40 communities along the Juruá River, a major tributary of the Amazon River in western Brazil.

“For many, many decades, people have been looking to the outside for solutions to the problems in the Amazon, but the arapaima story shows that the answers are often in the hands of the local people and communities living in the forest,” says Campos-Silva.

Based on fish counts, the communities have established sustainable catch quotas. The Brazilian government now allows harvesting of up to 30% of adult arapaimas in protected areas. Fish under 1.5 meters may not be caught. The measures yielded results. Thanks to the species' exceptionally rapid growth rate, the population recovered quickly.

Economic and social benefits

Campos-Silva was surprised by the economic and social benefits the strategy brought to the local population. In addition to increased household incomes, fishing revenues were invested in local schools, health centers, and basic infrastructure.

“People realized that through conservation, they can have a better life,” he says.

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