Established to foster an environmentally and socially beneficial home aquarium trade, Project Piaba has become so much more.
Instituto Piaba (BZ)
Who We Are
What We Do
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Collaborating for Conservation
Project Piaba is a research organization dedicated to preserving the vibrant Rio Negro and its fisheries in South America’s Amazon Basin. Since 1991 we have conducted extensive research on the sustainable home aquarium fish trade, exploring the fascinating array of unique species it encompasses. Our collaborative efforts with global partners aim to protect fisheries from market pressures, ensuring their viability and safeguarding of critical habitats.
The findings of Project Piaba have shown that these aquarium fisheries provide the basis of livelihoods for rural Amazonians and provide significant cash income to the region; resulting in poverty alleviation. Communities living in the forest of the Rio Negro region involved in the home aquarium fishery are motivated to protect the ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial. Every fish purchased by a hobbyist directly supports these rural villagers who, in turn, can continue relying on their sustainable practices and thus enabling conservation of the Rio Negro and its ecosystem.
46,000
Square miles (122,490 km2) of preserved forest in the Project Piaba study area
1991
Project Piaba was officially founded to research the aquarium fisheries of the Rio Negro area in Brazil
90%
Of all aquarium fishes are from farmed sources, often not based in the countries of origin
Nearly half
Amazonian municipality income revenue from trade in home aquarium fish
Millions
Fish bound for exporters in Brazil annually to supply home aquaria around the world
thousands
People have been impacted by declining home aquarium fishery trade in riverine communities of Barcelos
46,000
Square miles (122,490 km2) of preserved forest in the Project Piaba study area
1991
Project Piaba was officially founded to research the aquarium fisheries of the Rio Negro area in Brazil
90%
Of all aquarium fishes are from farmed sources, often not based in the countries of origin
Nearly half
Amazonian municipality income revenue from trade in home aquarium fish
Millions
Fish bound for exporters in Brazil annually to supply home aquaria around the world
thousands
People have been impacted by declining home aquarium fishery trade in riverine communities of Barcelos
meets U.N. Sustainable development Goals
The collection of fish for the aquarium trade is an important source of income for thousands of people along Brazil’s Rio Negro, and it meets all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Preservation
Our mission at Project Piaba is to enhance the environmental, animal welfare, and social economic sustainability of the Amazonian aquarium fish trade. Our targeted programs and initiatives achieve this goal.
EDUCATION
Project Piaba prides itself on being an information resource for educational facilities, zoos and aquariums, to hobbyists, educators and beyond.
Exploration
Project Piaba embarks on annual expeditions to the Rio Negro for researchers, students, and hobbyists.
meets U.N. Sustainable development Goals
The collection of fish for the aquarium trade is an important source of income for thousands of people along Brazil’s Rio Negro, and it meets all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Preservation
Our mission at Project Piaba is to enhance the environmental, animal welfare, and social economic sustainability of the Amazonian aquarium fish trade. Our targeted programs and initiatives achieve this goal.
EDUCATION
Project Piaba prides itself on being an information resource for educational facilities, zoos and aquariums, to hobbyists, educators and beyond.
Exploration
Project Piaba embarks on annual expeditions to the Rio Negro for researchers, students, and hobbyists.
We can't do this important work without you.
Every dollar donated helps our mission to continue preserving livelihoods, education, sustainability, and conservation of the Rio Negro.
How To Donate
We can’t do this important work without you.
Every dollar donated helps our mission to continue preserving livelihoods, education, sustainability, and conservation of the Rio Negro.
How To Donate
News & Events
SuperZoo 2024
The World Pet Association and SuperZoo have partnered with Project Piaba to bring a taste of the Brazilian Amazon to the Aquatic section of this year’s event.
Excellent Book Available!
Amazon Adventure: How Tiny Fish Are Saving the World’s Largest Rainforest