The document discusses the evolution and impact of the ornamental fish industry, specifically focusing on the sustainability of fisheries like the Rio Negro. It highlights Project Piaba's research findings that demonstrate the fishery's sustainable practices and its role in conservation efforts, protecting both forest and aquatic habitats. Current initiatives include best handling practices, field research, and collaborations to promote sustainability and meet UN sustainable development goals.

1. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.

2. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Mike Tuccinardi
Project Piaba Advisory Board/Field Researcher
Michael Griffith
Marketing Manager, Segrest Farms

3. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Sustainability is Complicated!

4. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Unsustainable = Eventual Failure

5. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.

6. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
90%+ of Freshwater Ornamental
Fish come from Captive Sources

7. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Carrying Capacity noun, Ecology
number of organisms that a region can support
without environmental degradation

8. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Wild Collection ≠ Automatically
Unsustainable

9. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
The Rio Negro Fishery:
• Trade began on a large scale in 1970s-80s
• 60% of cash incomes in Barcelos derived from this fishery
• Several thousand households involved in collecting or fishery activities

10. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
The Rio Negro Fishery:

11. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Project Piaba – The Early History
• Research-focused: late 1980s-90s
• Fisheries biologists, anthropologists, ichthyologists

12. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Surprise Finding:
The fishery appeared not only sustainable,
But was a driver of conservation

13. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Annual flood pattern of the Amazon
• Most fish species’ reproductive cycles tied to this pattern
• Many produce enormous numbers of offspring as a reproductive strategy
• Few offspring survive dry season

14. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Project Piaba
Shift in goals to preserving and even promoting this
beneficial and unique fishery
• Aquarium fish collecting prevents:
• Slash-and-burn agriculture
• Logging
• Ranching
• Gold and mineral/ore extraction

15. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Project Piaba
Conservation Outcomes:
• Forest and aquatic habitat protected
• Preservation of key habitat for IUCN Redlisted species
• Carbon sequestration
• Meets all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals

16. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Current Work:
best handling practices and trainings in the field

17. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
Other Work:
• Field research
• Zoo & aquarium initiatives and exhibits
• Hobby outreach
• Collaboration with industry

18. Impact Unleashed
Great Minds. Innovative Ideas. An Industry Evolved.
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