Ornamental fishes are an important natural resource in the Brazilian Amazon, historically exploited by traditional populations, and exported to many parts of the world. Unfortunately, not always this use is carried out in sustainable basis or under ecologically adequate, socially fair conditions, and economically beneficial to those populations. The sustainable management of ornamental fish incorporates a set of principles and techniques assuring that the removal of fishes from the natural environment will not disturb the recruitment and regeneration processes, that these animals will be carefully and responsibly handled, reducing their chances of mortality, and that a fair trade will benefit those traditional populations working in this activity.

 

The sustainable collection of ornamental fish as a livelihood initiative was started in the small streams of Amanã Sustainable Development Reserve (ASDR), municipality of Maraã, in the centre of Amazonas state, Brazil. Management is carried out by local inhabitants from a number of villages of this protected area, gathered in a management group organized and trained to sustainably extract ornamental fish species. Always in accordance with the rules established in a Management Plan that was specially developed based on scientific research on the species and their natural environment.

 

The initiative of the inhabitants from Amanã Reserve stands out among other Brazilian commercial experiences with ornamental fish because it is the only activity where a traditional Amazonian population, extracts sustainably ornamental fish inside a protected area, following all legal and environment requirements, in accordance with technically rigorous management rules.

 

These activities contribute to conservation of the Amazon as they protect an important part of the aquatic biodiversity, the dozens of ornamental fish species. Besides that, promoting an improved life quality for the local communities, the development of a clean economic activity can help to reduce pressures on the fragile Amazonian environment.