The potential of citizen science to assess migratory patterns of Amazon fish

Abstract

This paper discusses the application of citizen science and participatory monitoring initiatives for the identification of migratory patterns of Amazon fish. We interpreted fisheries data collected in the Madeira River basin by fishers using an applicative on smartphones to register catches or landings. The results for two Siluriform and two Characiform genus were contrasted with historical fisheries data. The main strength of the tool is the opportunity to create and share knowledge between traditional scientists and citizen scientists, across the basin.