The man behind a project to support Amazonian ornamental fisheries, Scott Dowd, has received a major award for his work.
Scott was presented with the Ornamental Fish International (OFI) 2020 Award at a quarterly meeting, held online. The OFI said he had dedicated years to research in the sustainable livelihoods of high-value aquarium fish for people residing in areas of critical biological importance.
His work, called Project Piaba, operates alongside indigenous fishing communities in the Amazon, in a way that makes it viable to preserve tropical forests and waterways.
The project provides training and mentoring to improve fishing techniques and supply chain logistics, which helps improve livelihoods for local people. The project also promotes fish to markets in the USA and beyond.
Scott has published widely on Project Piaba and is recognised and respected for his work right across the industry.
OFI president Shane Willis said “Scott is a very deserving candidate of the award.”
