Arely Ramírez García
Lake Zacapu is a protected Natural Area and host native and several endemic fish species, provides ecosystem services and is of cultural importance. In 2005 a management plan was implemented, but despite that human pressures are still present, such as wastewater discharges, water extraction, non-native species, fishing and destruction of wetlands. In this context, the principal objectives of the project are (1) to know the spatial and temporal variation in fish community according with the environmental variables in Lake Zacapu (2) evaluated the biology of the species (how they are feeding, how they are reproducing, how they are competing between them) and (3) with all this information we will evaluate the effectiveness of the management plan, and give any recommendations to the decision makers and policy makers, we pretend that this recommendations being included in the management plan for a long-term conservation of the lake and their species.
Chirostoma hulmboldtianum (Pescado blanco) from Lake Zacapu. © Arely Ramírez.
The project will be conducted in two phases, with separate, but related, outcomes for each one:
1. During phase 1, a survey of Lake Zacapu will measure environmental and fish parameters, as well as evaluating any existing environmental education and awareness-raising initiatives currently taking place around the lake. This information will be used to produce a critical review of the lake’s current management plan, and associated conservation actions.
2. Phase 2 will involve a series of workshops, meetings and interviews aimed at updating the management plan, in accordance with the results of phase 1. During this phase, we will provide guidance to policymakers regarding measures to strengthen local legislation for the long-term conservation of Lake Zacapu and develop an environmental education strategy aimed at empowering the local community to become active participants in the long-term conservation of the Lake.
These actions will result in measures for optimizing the conservation of the lake through improved local governance and community participation, the specific nature of which will be defined by the outcomes of phase 1. The overall impact of this project will be evidence based, measurable improvements in the overall conservation management of Lake Zacapu.