Who We Are
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Project Piaba is volunteer staffed and led by Executive Director Scott Dowd, a biologist and conservationist of forty years along with an advisory board made up of stakeholders from conservation organizations, research institutions, and members of the home aquarium fish trade. Our team in Brazil also consists of stakeholders and community members with extensive background in Barcelos and the middle Rio Negro region.
Project Piaba does NOT import, export, or sell fish nor are we involved directly in the aquarium trade in any capacity. While our work is focused on this trade and we have forged close relationships with people involved in every aspect of the Rio Negro aquarium fishery, we do not profit or see any direct gains from this industry.
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Want to know where you can find wild Rio Negro fish sourced through our network?
Want to know more about the important work we do?
Volunteer Advisors
Les Kaufman
Tim Miller-Morgan
Sandy Moore
Eric Rasmussen
Lonnie Ready
Michael Tlusty
Mike Tuccinardi
Dominic Whitmee
Volunteer Team
Scott Dowd
Credentials/Affiliations
Scott Dowd, a conservation biologist with forty years of experience. Scott is the Executive Director of Project Piaba. With a focus on the cardinal tetra fishery in the mid-Rio Negro region of the Amazon, Scott has dedicated more than 30 years to its conservation. He actively engages with Amazonian fishing communities, exporters, importers, retail stores, hobbyists and zoos and aquariums around the world, advocating for environmentally friendly aquarium fish trade globally.
Dr. Tim Miller-Morgan
Credentials/Affiliations
tim.miller-morgan@oregonstate.edu
Tim is an Assistant Professor – Aquatic Animal Health, Extension Veterinarian at Oregon State University. He focuses on providing educational programming and service to the aquarium industry, assisting wholesalers, retailers, and hobbyists in the rearing, husbandry, and health care of aquatic animals. Tim spearheaded the development of a new two-year Aquarium Science degree and certification program at Oregon Coast Community College. He also travels extensively to educate aquarium fish owners, breeders, importers, and retailers on proper care and handling practices.
Arnold Lugo
Credentials/Affiliations
Arnold is a key member of the Fishery Field Trainers supporting the Rio Negro Aquarium Fishery. Arnold is an accomplished fish biologist, involved with both University of Amazonas (UA) and the National Institute of Amazon Research (INPA) in Manaus, Brazil. Arnold often volunteers his time and expertise to help the Rio Negro Fishery.
Aline Sousa
Credentials/Affiliations
Aline has a strong ability to work in groups and prioritize tasks, a proven commitment to proposed goals, ease of adaptation and good interpersonal skills. She has experience in the areas of Food Science and Technology, with an emphasis on food quality assessment and control. She is experienced in good ornamental fish management practices, and fishery and aquaculture resources. Proven experience in team formation and leadership, she is available for travel according to company needs.
Maria Ines Munari Balsan
Credentials/Affiliations
Mari is a professor at the University of Caxias do Sul and serves as the Director of Project Piaba – Instituto Piaba Brasil. She is responsible for the “Indicação de Procedência Rio Negro” (Geographic Indication) and holds an MSc in Viticulture-Oenology and an International Master’s degree in Viticulture, Enology, and Winery Management. With a background in Marketing and Economics, Mari has dedicated eight years to working with the Rio Negro region.
Mari is a professor at the University of Caxias do Sul and also serves as the Director of Project Piaba – Instituto Piaba Brasil. She holds an impressive educational background, including an MSc in Viticulture-Oenology from ESA – Escola Superior de Agricultura d’Angers and an International Master’s degree in Viticulture, Enology, and Winery Management from Universid Politécnica de Valencia in Spain. Mari has also obtained a DNM (Diploma Nazionale di Mestrato) in Agronomy and Agrofood Sciences, specializing in Viticulture and Enology from Università di Bologna in Italy. Additionally, she has completed post-graduate studies in Marketing and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. With her diverse expertise, Mari has dedicated the past eight years to working with the Rio Negro region, taking on the important role of developing the “Indicação de Procedência Rio Negro” (Geographic Indication).
Jackie Anderson
Credentials/Affiliations
Jackie is an experienced educator in conservation biology. Jackie volunteers her time speaking at fish clubs, helping with trade shows such as the Aquashella, SuperZoo and others and provides her expertise and enthusiasm for wild Rio Negro Fish.
Jackie is also our volunteer Director of Education helping zoos and aquariums who are building exhibits featuring this beneficial aquarium fishery.
Dr. Roberto Reis
Credentials/Affiliations
Roberto is a Zoology Doctor from the University of São Paulo and currently serves as a Professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. He is the Head of the Laboratory of Vertebrate Systematics and Dean of the School of Biosciences. Roberto is also the Regional Chair for South America of the Freshwater Fish Specialist Group of IUCN/WI. With a focus on South American freshwater fishes, particularly catfishes, he has been involved in scientific research, discovering and documenting biodiversity with over 100 new species described. Roberto’s work includes phylogenetic studies using both morphological and molecular evidence. Additionally, he has contributed to the conservation of freshwater fishes and has an extensive publication record, including scientific papers, book chapters, and edited books. Roberto has been invited as a lecturer in various countries worldwide.
Joely-Anna Mota
Credentials/Affiliations
Joely has been working with the Rio Negro Fishery for a very long time and often volunteers her time to help the Rio Negro Fishery. Joely is one of the Fishery Field Trainers who work with fishing communities on best handling practices. Joely has worked in all aspects of the fishery and is very knowledgeable about the Rio Negro Fishery.
Tori Babson
Credentials/Affiliations
Tori Babson is a lifelong aquarium fish enthusiast. In addition to keeping aquariums in her home for years, she is also a professional aquarist. Tori is also experienced with aquatic invertebrates and reptiles. She is passionate about environmental conservation, and how consumer choices can drive environmental action.
Sam Rutka
Credentials/Affiliations
Sam Rutka, aka Captain Duckweed, is a seasoned professional in the field of fish and plant care. With a passion for aquatic habitats, Sam has designed numerous aquariums, paludariums, and terrariums throughout northern New England, including notable installations at the New England Aquarium. He has an impressive track record in aquascaping competitions, consistently ranking among the top five and achieving second place in the prestigious 2019 international Aquatic Gardeners Association paludarium competition. Sam’s expertise has been recognized in publications such as AMAZONAS Magazine, where his tanks and paludariums have been featured, providing readers with valuable instructions. For the latest updates on Sam’s projects and adventures, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @Captainduckweed.
João and Sandamar
Credentials/Affiliations
Meet two more of the Fishery Field Trainers of the Rio Negro Aquarium Fishery