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Fish Ladders in the Tropics: A Trip to Nowhere

by Glenn Switkes

New studies confirm that fish ladders at dams in the tropics fail to meet their objective of guaranteeing the survival of migratory fish, and in fact could hasten the extinction of some species. Brazilian scientists found that ladders act as an "ecological trap," attracting schools of fish to poorer environments, and making it even more difficult for them to reproduce.

Brazilian Government Moves to Dam Principal Amazon Tributary

Glenn Switkes

In recent weeks, the Brazilian government has turned to the difficult task of building giant hydroelectric dams in the Amazon River. The project presents President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with a major contradiction—between his ambitious economic development plan based on large-scale infrastructure, and the enormous social and environmental costs of the dams.