The affected region is officially classified as a priority hot spot for biodiversity, supporting the life of an estimated 750 fish species and 800 bird species. It is home to rubber tappers, Brazil nut gatherers and fishermen. The project is expected to affect a total area of almost 1 million sq. km in Brazil, Bolívia and Peru, with direct conversion of some 80,000 sq. km of forests for associated agriculture development, based on projections in official project documents. The dams will flood at least 700 sq. km of floodplain and terra firme forests. An estimated 100,000 migrants are expected to move into the area, seeking work on the construction projects, with associated social costs, especially to indigenous groups. Public health impacts, in a region where malaria and other tropical diseases are endemic are likely to be significant. Some 3,000 people will have to be involuntarily resettled. Migratory fish and other aquatic species on the Madeira will be seriously affected. The decline in fisheries will seriously affect commercial and subsistence fishermen. Thousands of people living downstream could face declining crop yields as a result of the loss of the annual deposition of fertile silt on the floodplains. Over 30 independent specialists, hired by Odebrecht at the request of the Federal Prosecutor, gave strong opinions on the inadequacy of environmental studies and weak or non-existent mitigation measures. The area impacted by the dams is also considered to be greater than that reported in the EIA.