Fishing for conservation of freshwater tropical fishes in the Anthropocene

Abstract

The ecosystem services provided by freshwater biodiversity are threatened by development and environmental and climate change in the Anthropocene. Here, case studies are described to show that a focus on the shared dependence on freshwater ecosystem functioning can mutually benefit fisheries and conservation agendas in the Anthropocene. Meeting the threat to fish biodiversity and fisher livelihood is pertinent in developing regions where there is often a convergence between high biodiversity, high dependency on aquatic biota and rapid economic development (see Kafue River, Logone floodplain, Tonle Sap, and Rio Negro case studies). These case studies serve as evidence that biodiversity conservation goals can be achieved by emphasizing a sustainable fisheries agenda with partnerships, shared knowledge and innovation in fisheries management (see Kafue River and Kenai River case studies). In all case studies, aquatic biodiversity conservation and fisheries agendas are better served if efforts focused on creating synergies between fishing activities with ecosystem functioning yield long‐term livelihood and food security narratives. A unified voice from conservation and fisheries communities has more socio‐economic and political capital to advocate for biodiversity and social interests in freshwater governance decisions.

Temporal dynamic and economic valuation of recreational fisheries of the lower Cuiabá River, Brazilian Pantanal

“…Given that fishing requires healthy river ecosystems, fishers share a common agenda with biodiversity conservation. This common agenda enables well-informed fishers to act as partners with conservationists in their demand for river conservation (Phang et al, 2019). It is apparent that the first generation of recreational fishers in the region have been formed by former riverside dwellers who no longer depend on fishing to supply their nutritional needs, livelihoods or income (da Silva and Silva, 1995).…”

“…navigation, irrigation, hydropower and commercial fisheries), others are hard to estimate accurately. In particular, the importance of recreational fisheries is underestimated in many regions, resulting in fishers being placed as inferior stakeholders when the multiple uses of inland waters are considered (Phang et al, 2019). Additionally, due to human population growth, fish stocks of both marine and inland waters have been under increasing fishing pressure (Funge‐Smith, 2018; Brownscombe et al, 2019).…”

Theory and practice to conserve freshwater biodiversity in the Anthropocene

“…Linking the management of freshwater resources with aquatic conservation is also explored by Phang et al (), by uniting the shared objectives of sustainable inland fisheries and freshwater biodiversity conservation. This innovative work demonstrates the misconception that fishing is an inherently adverse activity for freshwater biodiversity.…”

“…Rather, the quest for the twin goals of sustainable fisheries and aquatic biodiversity conservation can be advanced by empowering fishing concerns, be they commercial or artisanal. The work presented by both Abell et al () and Phang et al () describes two approaches that unite resource provisioning and conservation goals, leading to greater socio‐economic and political capacity to effect beneficial change. These align to similar approaches, such as that proposed by Noble, Fulton, and Pittock (), who demonstrated that focusing on the conservation of a keystone freshwater species (Murray crayfish, Euastacus armatus ) can also support the achievement of a number of socio‐economic goals in south‐east Australia.…”

Upaya Konservasi Ikan Bilih (Mystacoleucus padangensis) dengan Penetapan Ukuran Tangkap dan Suaka di Danau Singkarak

“…Upaya yang dapat dilakukan dalam pelestarian ikan bilih antara lain pengaturan penangkapan baik ukuran ikan maupun waktu penangkapan; penetapan daerah suaka serta penebaran kembali ikan bilih (Koeshendrajana, Purnomo & Kartamihardja, 2005;Gunarto, 2009;Kartamihardja, 2009;Syandri, Junaidi & Azrita, 2011). Pengaturan penangkapan merupakan upaya pengelolaan sumber daya ikan yang bertangguang jawab dan berkelanjutan (Phang et al, 2019) dan penetapan suaka adalah upaya yang dilakukan dalam konservasi sumber daya ikan air tawar di India (Sarkar, Pathak, & Lakra, 2008). Namun saat ini belum ada peraturan yang disepakati mengenai pengelolaan ikan bilih (Syandri et al, 2014).…”