ABOUT ARCOF
​Who We Are.
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The Amazon Research Center for Ornamental Fishes (ARCOF) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit. It was established in the United States and governed by a board of directors.
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ARCOF is the first research facility devoted solely to the study of ornamental fishes sited on land located in the Peruvian Amazon. This land, located 10 kilometers southwest of Iquitos, Peru, is the ideal location for the research center as natural springs flow year round and this area is not subject to the seasonal dry months typical of most Amazon regions.
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We believe that through ongoing education and hands-on training the local fishermen will be able to establish and maintain breeding ponds for ornamental fishes thus creating a long-term, balanced ecosystem that serves the local economy and enhances and protects the environment.
Our Mission.
To provide education and support research that will facilitate the development of sustainable ornamental fish aquaculture in the Peruvian Amazon resulting in sound conservation practices and improved economic development for the local fisherman
ARCOF’s educational programs will provide highly needed sustainable development models for the local fishermen, models which can change the inherent practice of overfishing, preserve the environment, highlight easily adapted affordable aquaculture techniques, and create worthwhile, sustainable, economic opportunities for current and future generations.
ARCOF Goals.
Our mission and goals, which form the core philosophy of the research center, are integral to the types of research and projects the center will undertake. ARCOF is a non-profit, non-commercial research center and will not be involved in any efforts to raise and/or export its own fish to the domestic or international ornamental fish market.
Meet Our Team.
Mr. Fernando Carlos Ramos
Co-Founder and Resident Director of ARCOF. Master in Aquaculture Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. Veterinarian, National University of San Marcos, Lima, Peru and is a PhD candidate in Fish Pathology at the State University Paulista in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Board Of Directors.
RENEE L. MAZEROLL
RN, MSN, CFACCA, Secretary/Treasurer (US)
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JENA QUESTEN
DVM, CertAqV, Board Member (US)
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CLAY A. FARELL
COO, MBA, FACHE, Board Member (US)
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Carmen Ferrell
MSN, RN, CCRN, Board Member (US)
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CHRISTINE A. KRUEGER
M.A. Ed, Board Member (US)
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Luis Felipe Huertas del Pino
Board Member (Peru)
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TERESSA L. POLINSKI
RN, BSN, CEN, TCRN, MICN, Board Member (US)
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Tim Haywood
Board Member (UK)
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Equal Opportunity Employer.
ARCOF is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in all positions paid or non-paid, recruitment, advertisements for employment (including volunteers, interns or students), compensation, termination, upgrading, or promotions, against any individual or applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Annual Reports
