Reducing the negative impacts of fisheries for scavenger species in the Upper Amazon with Association of Cochabamba Fishers/Asociación de Pescadores Cochabamba (ASPECO)

 

 

The organization and local perspectives on conservation and stewardship

 

Puerto Villarroel is a community on the shore of the Ichilo River, a headwater tributary of the Mamoré River in the Amazon basin. There are two small-scale fishing organizations in the community: ASPECO and APTIMCO. The two organizations land approximately 100 tons of fish per year. Almost all the active members of the Associations (approx. 50 in total) are men (two are women). In total there are about 12 large boats (locally called pontones (pontoons)) and about 12 chalupas (small flat-bottomed boats) or canoas (dugout canoes). Apart from the commercial fishermen who are association members, there are also non-organized fishermen (mostly fishing blanquillo, the catfish (Calophysus macropterus), who live in Puerto Villarroel, and Indigenous fishermen, who live on the riverbank, in the Indigenous territories (Territorios Indíginas Originarias Campesinos (TIOC)) Yuracare and Pallar. The catches consist mainly of Siluriformes (catfishes), and to a lesser extent of two frugivorous (fruit-eating) species (Piaractus, Colossoma). Fishing is done mostly using gillnets. Fishing is regulated by SEDAG, the Departmental Agricultural and Livestock Service, who enact an annual veda (closure) between October 1 and February 28. Fishing in Puerto Villarroel can be characterized as a (very) small-scale fishery, highly dependent on a resource characterized by enormous seasonal and interannual variations. 

 

Generally, as an organization we do not actively and / or formally participate in conservation activities. For example, they (the government) do not take us into account when making decisions about the creation of conservation areas. However, environmental conservation has gained importance in the community for two reasons:  a) we see a gradual deterioration of the environment on which our livelihoods depend; and b) due to a concern for a negative image and stigmatization of the fisherman. This context has resulted in a greater (informal) involvement of the fisherman in conservation issues. 

 

Stewardship experience: Community initiative towards regulation of the fishing of the scavenger catfish blanquillo (Calophysus macropterus) in the Bolivian Amazon

 

The issue or problem being addressed

On the fringes of multi-species fishing, which is carried out by organized fishermen, a monospecific fishing (single species fishery) has developed, which is fishing for ‘blanquillo’ (Calophysus macropterus), a migratory species. This species has been captured since approximately 2005 using bait from chicken and beef butcher waste, and occasionally with meat or fat from wild animals captured especially for this purpose (capybaras, dolphins, and ‘lagarto’ or caiman yacare). This type of fishing, which is carried out by non-organized fishermen, also generates water pollution. Organized fishermen, stigmatized and pre-occupied about their image, have managed a progressive regulation of this practice and presented to the public (regional) actors, although there is no specific regulation in this regard. 

 

The activities

This participatory management process is long-standing. In 2011, the fishermen being aware that the fishing of ‘blanquillo’ by illegal fishermen can damage their image, they began to dialogue with the public actor (SEDAG) about the regulation of this practice. Since blanquillo fishermen live in the same community, all agreements were made between public actors, organized fishermen, and non-organized fishermen during meetings. In 2011, a verbal agreement was first reached with SEDAG, followed by a written agreement (registered in official meeting act, or ‘minutes’) in 2014, and then a more formal agreement by minutes in 2021. These agreements consist of the total prohibition of the use of wild animals as bait, and the regulation of the catch volume. 

 

The benefits/impacts including sustainability/environmental effects

Seeing as this formal agreement has only very recently been achieved, there have yet to be significant benefits noted at this time. However, due to the action, it has been possible to stop the aforementioned harmful fishing activity (fishing for blanquillo using carnada (animal-carcass-based baits), which is carried out by illegal fishermen. It is expected that local water quality and ecosystem health will improve due to reduced pollution. 

In the medium and long term, a social balance and some social benefits have already been achieved. By choosing an intermediate path, between total prohibition (which would cause negative social impacts) and “free rein”, it has been possible to lower the negative environmental impact, improve (partially) the public image of fishermen who are association members (who were initially stigmatized) and maintain social balance in the community between fisher groups.  

The example has influenced a slight improvement in decision-making capacity, in dialogue with fishermen. It is good that decisions are not made vertically but by coordinating and interacting with local actors. However, there is still not enough knowledge of the pros and cons of the blanquillo fishing activity to be able to make more forceful decisions. With more detailed social and ecological assessments, a greater understanding of environmental and cultural aspects can be gained and used to strengthen and adapt management in the future. 

 

The success and significance of the activities

The example was a success, because progressive agreements were reached between the authorities, legal fishermen (belonging to the two associations) and blanquillo fishermen, and social problems were avoided. There is still room for progress as the problems are not entirely solved, there is still a lot of illegal activity, so data collection and awareness raising are needed on an ongoing basis. 

 

Some lessons learned or words of wisdom

• Co-management through transparent meetings with public actors is important. 
• Let us always look after the children, the future generations. 

 

 

 

 

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Fishery Facts

(Below are the applicable categories of fisheries, environment, species, gear type and livelihood role.)

 

Fishery characteristics:

• Inland capture fishery (e.g. river/ lake/ reservoir)
• Commercial fishery
• Multi-species

The environment where fishing takes place: 

• Freshwater – riverine / small lake / wetland

Main species targeted:

• Inland finfish (e.g., carp / perch / catfish / salmonids)

Gear types/ methods used:

• Trawl (demersal/pelagic)
• Gillnet
• Beach seine
• Line

Role of the fishery in local livelihoods:

• Main source of employment
• Seasonal 
• Occasional