Tell Me, Do You Know Your Hometown River?
Vasco da Gama Aquarium supporting the conservation of endangered populations of native fish
Sizandro river (2021) by Fátima GilAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Traditionally, rivers were part of the lives of many of our families. But as cities grew and families moved away from rural communities, many rivers were abandoned and threatened by uncontrolled urban growth.
Western Ruivaco. Achondrostoma occidentale. (2009) by Comandante Rocha TrindadeAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Pollution, prolonged and dry summers, the destruction of riverbanks and the proliferation of invasive species of plants and animals have threatened our rivers and their natural communities.
Most of the fish species that live in the rivers are now endangered, with their native populations in decline.
Fish culture tanks in the Vasco da Gama Aquarium reserves. (2021) by Maria PittaAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The Vasco da Gama Aquarium takes part with other entities in nature conservation projects dedicated to the recovery of endangered freshwater fish populations.
The work developed envisions the reproduction and maintenance of native fish species for later release into the wild.
Western ruivaco and Southwestern nase in the aquarium exhibition. (2021)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The Aquarium has reproduced endangered species such as the Western ruivaco (Achondrostoma occidentale), the Southwestern nase (Iberochondrostoma almacai), Boga portuguesa (Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum) or the Iberian chub (Squalius pyrenaicus).
Tagging adult fish before being released. (2021) by Maria PittaAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The breeding fishes are collected in streams where natural populations are in decline.
When the offspring reach the adult stage, before being released, they are duly marked so that it is possible to carry out monitoring studies of the population state in the wild.
Western Ruivacos are release of in the Sizandro River, Torres Vedras (2021) by Fátima GilAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The release of descendant fishes is carried out in the same rivers, or streams, where their parents were collected to safeguard the genetic heritage of populations from each watershed.
Here we witness the release of Western ruivacos Achondrostoma occidentale in the Sizandro river.
Western Ruivacos are release of in the Alcabrichel River, Torres Vedras (2011) by Comandante Rocha TrindadeAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Since the beginning of ex-situ conservation actions, thousands of fish have already been released into the wild.
For this purpose, the Aquarium and its partners have relied on the collaboration of landowners, local authorities and other regional and national entities.
Western Ruivacos (Achondrostoma occidentale) release in the Sizandro River, Torres Vedras. (2021) by Fátima GilAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Releasing the fish in the water is always a moment of great enthusiasm shared with those who live close to the river.
Be it children or adults, no one is indifferent to the effort to recover the plant and animal communities that live here.
Educational activities on the Cabrela stream banks, Sintra. (2021) by Maria PittaAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is to bring schools closer to their local rivers and streams.
With diversified activities, developed throughout the year, we seek to involve students and teachers in the conservation of their local river.
Detail of a freshwater turtle (2021) by Maria PittaAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Educational ativities (2017)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Educational activities on the Safarujo river banks, Mafra. (2017) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
When we are witnessing a growing extinction of species around the world, is there anything more relevant for a child than feeling she can grow up, side by side, with her hometown river?
