Standard Methods for Freshwater Fish Sampling in Mesoamerica: Challenges and Opportunities

Standardization of methods and processes for freshwater fish population and community monitoring and assessment can allow for better communication among scientists, for large scale and long-term studies, and for better understanding of multiple factors affecting freshwater fish populations. Standard gears are used in some commercial freshwater lentic fisheries in some Mesoamerican systems, but are not generally used for monitoring of fish communities in other ecosystems. We examine the potential for the implementation of existing North American standard methods by Mesoamerican freshwater fishery managers and scientists. While several of these methods are in principle applicable to freshwater systems throughout Mesoamerica, there could be important complications to their widespread utilization. We present the results of an analysis of freshwater fish community monitoring methods used by scientists in Mesoamerica, and explore the potential for standardization. Possibilities exist for implementation of numerous North American standardized methods in Mesoamerica, but others will have to be developed and validated for their use in ecosystems unique to Mesoamerica and for species of regional importance.