Freshwater Abstracts
AQUATIC FIELD SURVEYS IN PARAGUAY Lee Jackson, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Beginning in 2006, The National Mississippi River museum in partnership with the University of Dubuque began annual fish surveys of the Mbaracuyu reserve. The reserve is a coastal Atlantic forest remnant, and the largest protected area in Paraguay. This presentation is a description of that work as well as future plans for a country wide survey of fishes and amphibians in partnership with the university of Paraguay and several local NGOs. |
PROJECT PIABA: 20 YEARS OF STUDYING THE AQUARIUM FISH TRADE; NOW TIME FOR AQUARIUMS TO TAKE ACTION
Scott Dowd, New England Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
For more than 20 years, Project Piaba has conducted the most comprehensive study of the aquarium fish trade, from capture to hobbyist. The focus of the work has been the cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) fishery and global market. The most substantial discovery is the critical role that a wild-capture fishery can play in livelihoods, poverty alleviation, and how effective economically driven environmental stewardship can be a unique and powerful tool to protect areas of biological importance that would otherwise be lost. The social and environmental benefits elucidated by Project Piaba’s study of the cardinal tetra fishery are not unique to the region from which these fish come. Many species found in the aquarium fish trade share the natural history characteristics that make the cardinal a sound species on which to base an extractive fishery. Many of these species are found in biological hotspots that are in dire need of protection. There is a clear role that public aquariums can play to enhance social benefits and conservation outcomes by partnering with the industry to promote responsibility. The most basic function of public aquariums is to display aquatic life in the most compelling way to the largest possible audience and to convey priority and mission-pertinent information. The hundreds of millions of people that choose to visit public aquariums are a self-selected population that by definition is drawn to fishes. There is clearly much overlap in the value of this demographic that is shared by public aquariums and the aquarium fish trade. Many of the fish species that are, and have the potential, to serve as these instruments of conservation are widely displayed in public aquariums. By spotlighting these species and conveying the social and environmental benefits of the responsible trade to our fish-loving visitorship, we can foster a market with substantial conservation outcomes. |
NY TRONDRO MALAGASY - THE FISHES OF MADAGASCAR Paul V. Loiselle, New York Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The endemic freshwater fishes of Madagascar are the island's most endangered vertebrates. This presentation offers an overview of the Malagasy ichthyofauna, explains its extreme scientific interest, outlines the principal threats to its survival, summarizes in situ conservation efforts and explains the critical role of ex situ captive breeding programs in assuring the survival of these critically endangered fishes. |
MAD FISHES
Tim McCaskie and Alex Saunders, Toronto Zoo and Denver Zoological Gardens Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The fishes of Madagascar have been the focus of conservation biologists for many years, including Dr. Paul Loiselle, Curator of Freshwater Fishes of New York Aquarium (WCS), as it is well documented that the unique fauna of this island is highly imperiled. In recent years the fishes of Madagascar have become a focus program for the Freshwater Fishes TAG of the AZA. This presentation discusses the recent in situ efforts by Tim McCaskie (Toronto Zoo) and Alex Saunders (Denver Zoo) as they travelled to the Lake Tseny watershed in northwestern Madagascar in 2010 and 2011. Their confirmation of Paretroplus menarambo as present in the watershed is notable as it was considered extirpated prior to 2008. As well, they found a new fish species and extended the range of another. This was just the beginning of their adventure! The Madagascar Program is looking for more participants and the presentation will include an overview of care for these fascinating fish. |