Estimating the Fish Stocks of Six Commercial Species in the Middle Madeira River, Southwest Amazon

This manuscript evaluates the fish stocks of six commercially significant species in the middle Madeira River, Southwest Amazon, by leveraging refined fisheries data and an adapted catch effort method. Through daily monitoring at the Humaitá station from May 2018 to April 2019, it examines the catchability and stock estimates for Semaprochilodus insignis, Mylossoma aureum, Mylossoma duriventre, Prochilodus nigricans, Brycon amazonicus, and Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum. Despite the observed low model adjustments and the influence of capture site diversity, significant p-values indicate less than 7% exploitation of the estimated fish populations, suggesting under-exploration and potential for sustainable growth in the region’s fishing activities. However, the study emphasizes cautious interpretation due to unaccounted factors like seasonality, highlighting the necessity for longer data series and consideration of Amazonian peculiarities in future research. This effort contributes to understanding the sustainable management and conservation needs of Amazonian fish resources amidst environmental and human impacts.