Deforestation in the Amazon is Devastating Fish Stocks

ENVIRONMENT

When it comes to deforestation, wood and water are often looked at in isolation. However, there is a significant link between deforestation and reduced fish catches. (Geographical)

This current event pairs beautifully with our activity on the effects of deforestation in the Amazon. Use it!

Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit.

Zoom, zoom, zoom on this beautiful map. A new study establishes the fragile and beautiful Amazon as an interconnected ecosystem—the towering canopy absolutely impacts the lake beds below.
Map by National Geographic
Zoom, zoom, zoom in on this beautiful map. Deforestation associated with timber and agriculture (take a look at the “Altered Landscape” inset map at the bottom left) are threatening fish stocks throughout the Amazon.
Map by National Geographic

Discussion Ideas

 

 

 

 

  • How are scientists hoping to pursue the link between deforestation and declining fish stocks?

 

New research finds that deforested areas matched with local fisheries producing much lower yields than those with larger forest areas surrounding them.
Photograph by Tyrone Turner, National Geographic

TEACHERS TOOLKIT

Geographical: Fish sticks: declining Amazon fish

Nat Geo: Local and Global Effects of Deforestation in the Amazon Rain Forest lesson plan

Nat Geo: Amazonia: Vital and Fragile hi-res map

Nat Geo: Amazonia: The Human Impact hi-res map

Virginia Tech: New research explores links between deforestation and fisheries yields in the Amazon press release

Nat Geo: Making a Decision about Building a Road in the Amazon lesson plan

Nat Geo: What is a rain forest?

Nat Geo: What is a flood plain?

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