Activities
Amazon Waters
WCS seeks to conserve the flooded forests,lakes, and floating meadows of Amazonas that are the most critical habitat for iconic fauna of the lowland western Amazon. We are pursuing the following long-term strategic actions to accomplish our habitat and wildlife targets as well as ensure the continued provisioning of core ecosystem services, such as food provisioning and regulation of water quality and quantity.
- Construct a fisheries management system at scales appropriate to conserve migratory fish. In November, 2013,WCS hosted a workshop of experts to review the current state of fisheries management and research in the Amazon, and identify critical actions and next steps. The proceedings should be available in early 2014 and will guide WCS Brazil activities in the upcoming years.
- Understand the impacts of climate change and infrastructure development on the hydrology of the Amazon Basin, and use this knowledge to improve public policies and fisheries management.
- Manage and monitor aquatic wildlife and their habitats. WCS Brazil working with partners to improve management of migratory fish, jaguar, caiman, manatee, and turtles in their habitats. To understand if our efforts are having the desired impacts, WCS Brazil establishes baselines and monitors the changing status of these groups in the landscapes where we work. In August 2013, WCS Brazil launched a program to monitor Amazon River Turtles in priority conservation areas in the Purus, Solimões, and Negro Rivers.
