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Understanding the impacts of hydropower development on people, fish and the environment on the Madeira River of Amazonia, Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Shannon H. Clarke

    (Carleton University, Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science)

  • Maria Clara B. T. Cavalcanti

    (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Department of Ecology)

  • Vivian M. Nguyen

    (Carleton University, Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science)

  • Taylor D. Ward

    (Carleton University, Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science)

  • Eduardo G. Martins

    (University of Northern British Columbia, Freshwater Fish Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management)

  • Michael Power

    (University of Waterloo, Department of Biology)

  • Gustavo Hallwass

    (Instituto de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Campus Paraíso)

  • Priscila F. M. Lopes

    (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Department of Ecology
    University of Bucharest, Research Institute of The University of Bucharest (ICUB))

  • Steven J. Cooke

    (Carleton University, Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science)

Abstract

Hydropower dams, from their construction to their operation, have well-known negative impacts on riverine fish and fishing communities. Yet, they continue to be constructed in bioculturally rich places, including the Brazilian Amazon. We investigated whether two large Amazonian dams on the Madeira River have affected the livelihoods of riverine communities by carrying out 81 in-depth interviews with local knowledge holders from 11 villages. Many of the fishers (>75%) attributed changes in both the river and its fishery to the construction of the dams. However, the perceived changes (e.g., changes to the river level) varied depending on the location of their community relative to the dams. We documented an 84% decrease in fish catch and 64% decrease in income from fishing through time. These results suggest that hydropower development has compromised the income and sustenance of local fishers, leading them to adapt their behavior, which could further compromise remaining fishing stocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Shannon H. Clarke & Maria Clara B. T. Cavalcanti & Vivian M. Nguyen & Taylor D. Ward & Eduardo G. Martins & Michael Power & Gustavo Hallwass & Priscila F. M. Lopes & Steven J. Cooke, 2026. "Understanding the impacts of hydropower development on people, fish and the environment on the Madeira River of Amazonia, Brazil," Environmental Management, Springer, vol. 76(5), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envman:v:76:y:2026:i:5:d:10.1007_s00267-026-02441-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s00267-026-02441-0
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