LIMA, PERU, March 6, 2025—A study conducted by Cornell University and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), both members of the Amazon Waters Alliance, reveals that small, abundant, and nutritious fish species in the Amazon can be a solution for both public health and biodiversity conservation. The findings highlight how fishing for resilient species can reduce the risks of mercury contamination while contributing to food security and the well-being of local communities.

The study, which analyzes the most frequently consumed fish species in the Amazon, found that larger species, such as migratory catfish, are more vulnerable to extinction and tend to accumulate higher levels of mercury. In contrast, smaller species are not only more resilient to environmental threats but are also rich in essential nutrients and present a low risk of mercury contamination. This unique balance of nutritional benefits and sustainability makes small species a valuable option for aligning conservation and public health goals in the region.

The Amazon, home to the world's largest and most diverse freshwater ecosystem, hosts over 2,500 fish species, with more than 50 kg consumed per capita annually, making biodiversity a key factor in human nutrition. However, many of these species are threatened by overexploitation and pollution. Through this study, researchers propose an approach that not only protects the most vulnerable species but also promotes responsible consumption that benefits both people and aquatic ecosystems.

The study highlights that consuming small, accessible fish can reduce pressure on large, migratory fish populations, which are more expensive and less nutritious. By choosing resilient species with low mercury content, sustainable fishing practices are encouraged, food security in Amazonian communities is improved, and the overexploitation of vulnerable species, such as migratory catfish, is mitigated, ultimately supporting the conservation of Amazonian biodiversity.

This study was supported by the Conservation, Food & Health Foundation, the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, and WCS.

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Amazon Waters Alliance
The Amazon Waters Alliance brings together 29 organizations from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the United States, France, and Peru. Its goal is to maintain the integrity and connectivity of the aquatic ecosystems of the Amazon Basin and the services they provide to the region and the world. For more information, please contact: Katy Puga, kpugacadena@wcs.org