Brazil Migratory Fish Conservation (1999-2001)

Project Results

Training

During the project, 77 Brazilian biologists were trained in genetic conservation technologies, including gamete cryopreservation, DNA fingerprinting, larviculture and radiotagging. Four regional workshops were held in Brazil by Canadian experts and numerous technical training tours were conducted in Canada and the US.

Technology Development

Effective protocols for the cryopreservation and fertilization of 12 Brazilian fish species were developed through extensive experimentation and field testing. Over 600 sperm samples were collected and over 4 million larvae were produced using this new technology.

Networking

Five regional Brazilian gene banks representing industry, universities and government, were established as part of the Brazilian Fish Genetic Resources Network developed during the project. A principal concern thoughout the project was to ensure its sustainability through integration with initiatives, concerns and networks within Brazil. This allowed the project to identify needs and activities beyond those listed in the project proposal and resulted in many unexpected spin-off projects, activities and benefits.

Public Awareness

An educational component of the project increased public and professional awareness of migratory fish conservation issues in Brazil through a variety of materials and workshops. Among these were an international workshop Freshwater Genetic Resources and Human Development: Conservation Realities in South America held in Florianopolis, May 11th to 13th, 2000 and a special session Effects of Dams on Fish and the Environment in Brazil held January 7th to 12th, 2001 in São Leopoldo, Brazil as part of the Brazilian Ictiological Society's (SBI) annual meeting (proceedings available soon). In addition, numerous technical and popular materials were produced during the project, including 11 popular articles published in Brazil and Canada, academic journal articles and theses, technical manuals for DNA fingerprinting and analysis, a university curriculum module on fish genetic resource conservation and a widely distributed public awareness folder.

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