Integrated multi-scalar analysis of vulnerability to environmental hazards: Assessing extreme flooding in western Amazonia

Livelihoods and poverty in small‐scale fisheries in western Amazonia

“…Floodplain lakes are important for fishing livelihoods by serving as reservoirs for fish resources when water levels recede (McGrath et al, 1993; Reis‐Filho et al, 2023; Smith et al, 2001). Fishing is a widespread adaptation to the flood cycle in riverine Amazonia, especially when extreme flood events cause severe damage to crops in floodplains (Coomes et al, 2010; Langill & Abizaid, 2020; Langill et al, 2022; Takasaki et al, 2010).…”

“…Consequently, commercial fishing may be less attractive to local communities that would need to compete with outsiders, whereas subsistence fishing would be necessary to supply protein. Alternatively, riverine households may turn to fishing for subsistence (Coomes et al, 2010) because they are more susceptible to severe flooding by their proximity to main channels (Langill et al, 2022), despite lower catchability of fish in flooded environments and reduced commercial prospects for households struggling to catch enough fish to meet their consumption needs (Tregidgo et al, 2020).…”

“…Communities located on main channels may have more transport options and increased integration to the market economy (Abizaid et al, 2022), may be more vulnerable to erosion and extreme flood events (Langill et al, 2022) (Coomes et al, 2016). Abundant forest may also be associated with productive fisheries in floodplains (Hurd et al, 2016).…”

“…Fish provide vital protein and micronutrients for rural as well as urban households in riverine towns and cities, and cash income for many rural dwellers (Barletta et al, 2010; Coomes et al, 2010, 2016; Guerrero et al, 2018; Hicks et al, 2019; McDaniel, 1997; McGrath et al, 1993; Sirén & Valbo‐Jørgensen, 2022). Fisheries are also important for the rural poor to cope with shocks, such as illness (Coomes et al, 2010; McDaniel, 1997) and extreme floods (Coomes et al, 2010; Langill & Abizaid, 2020; Langill et al, 2022; Takasaki et al, 2010). Despite their importance, fish stocks have declined in many parts of the basin (Castello, Arantes, et al, 2015; Coomes et al, 2020) due to increased urban demand for fish, emergence of commercial fisheries, use of more efficient fishing gear, biological vulnerability of targeted species, limited governance and institutional capacity, and multiple forms of environmental degradation (Almeida et al, 2009; Castello, Arantes, et al, 2015; De Castro & McGrath, 2003; De Jesús, 2004; McGrath et al, 1993; Pinho et al, 2012).…”

Tropical Forests Provide Gendered Insurance against Illness

“…By comparing terrestrial resources (game, timber, and NTFPs) and aquatic resources (fish), we are able to capture potentially distinct roles of gendered natural insurance across wild resources. Extant studies in the region have shown the significance of fishing as a coping strategy against various adverse shocks (Coomes, et al 2010, Langill, et al 2022, Takasaki, et al 2004).…”