THE DEATH OF THE AMAZON

From a young age Anthony Mazeroll wanted to study "the ocean"; more specifically fish. Most children go through a phase of being intrigued by the ocean, he just never grew out of it. Early in his academic career Anthony studied ecology of fishes in the Red Sea (Egypt, Israel, and Jordan) but presently he is conducting research of the impacts of exotic species (guppies and gouramis) on native fishes in Peru and the impacts of tilapia in Cambodia.

At the present time he splits time between California and Peru. He is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Soka University of America (Small Liberal Arts University in Southern California, rated in the top 25 of all liberal arts universities in the USA). Additionally, he is the Executive Director of the Amazon Research Center for Ornamental Fishes in Iquitos, Peru. The research center, which is almost entirely self-funded) is focused on the conservation, ecology and sustainable breeding of Amazonian ornamental fishes.

“The hobby for me is like a drug!!!!” He has a 2-car garage converted into a fishroom with various creatures: wild discus, guppies, plecos, licorice gouramis, killifish, cichlids, and poison dart frogs. In his family room he built a 500-gallon corner tank that is a Peruvian Amazon biotype filled with fish that he has collected himself.

For more information on the Amazon Research Center please visit http://amazonresearchcenter.org/

TALK

During this presentation Professor Mazeroll will present the problems that are plaguing the Amazon River Basin and one remedy that they have come up with at the Amazon Research Center for Ornamental Fishes.

ALSO

Snacks will be provided.

AUCTION

After the talk, stay for the auction.  Only SFAS members may sell, but anyone may buy.