Negative impacts of mining on Neotropical freshwater fishes

Abstract Mining activities have significantly affected the Neotropical freshwater ichthyofauna, most diverse in world. However, no study has systematized knowledge on subject. In this review, we assembled information main impacts of mining crude oil, gold, iron, copper, and bauxite aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing fishes. The obtained shows that generate several different disturbances, mainly via input metals other pollutants, erosion siltation, deforestation, road construction. resulted direct indirect losses fish diversity waterbodies. negative ichthyofauna may change structure communities, compromise entire food chains, erode ecosystem services provided by Particularly noteworthy is (legal illegal) are widespread Neotropics, often located within or near protected areas. Actions to prevent mitigate impacts, such as inspection, monitoring, management, restoration plans, been cursory absent. addition, there strong political pressure expand mining; if – when happens, it will increase potential activity further diminish