Protecting South America's iconic golden dorado fish
Protecting South America's iconic golden dorado fish
1 hour ago by Andy Danylchuk
A new study launched this month by University of Massachusetts Amherst fisheries biologist Andy J. Danylchuk, in collaboration with Argentina's Ministry of Environment and regional partners including Juramento Fly Fishing, Tigres del Rio, Fish Simply, and Patagonia Inc., is the first to assess the impact of catch-and-release fishing and other human and environmental pressures on the golden dorado, a fish of high economic and recreational value across South America.
Data obtained from this project in the Salta region of northwest Argentina will be used to develop conservation strategies, proactive management and sustainable fishing practices for this iconic species. The project is also expected to contributute to greater sustainabilty for the regional ecotourism industry and the economic livelihood of local fishing guides.
As Danylchuk explains, "Little is known about how golden dorado respond to being caught and released, yet understanding this can lead to best practices anglers and guides can use to make sure fish swim away in the best shape possible." Danylchuk, his graduate students and local stakeholders are also radio tracking golden doraro to look at movement patterns after fish are caught and released. He adds, "It is a challenge for emerging countries, because fishing tourism can represent significant income."
The golden dorado is the so-called "charismatic" fish found in the rivers of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and northern Argentina that draws recreational fishermen from around the world and represents an important economic support to local communities. But it faces strong pressure and population declines due to over-harvesting and habitat degradation from such human activities as mining and poor sewage treatment. Danylchuk points out that scientists need much more information to understand its ecology.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-05-south-america-iconic-golden-dorado.html#jCp
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"Thank god for saving the last dorado for me."[/center]