The global trade in marine ornamental species

From ocean to aquarium
Conclusions and
recommendations
On the journey from ‘reef to retail’.
Given the wide range of threats facing coral reefs,
with reefs in Southeast Asia – the most important
source of the majority of animals in the marine
ornamental trade – particularly at risk, it is becoming
increasingly important that harvesting of marine
organisms for the aquarium trade is appropriately
managed in order not to further compound these
problems. However, to date only a relatively small
number of countries have put in place comprehensive
regulations to control the collection of marine
ornamentals. The highly selective nature of these
fisheries increases their impact on populations of
targeted species. They may also, directly through the
use of destructive fishing practices or indirectly through
the removal of key species (e.g. cleaner fish/shrimp),
impact other species and ecological processes in the
habitats where fishing for the aquarium trade occurs.
Most of the restrictions that regulate the trade to
date have been put in place despite a lack of information
on the population status and life characteristics of the
targeted species. More accurate trade data, and much
more specific information on particular life history
characteristics such as recruitment and growth rates,
should be collected to establish quotas and maximum
sustainable yields, as well as to help in the development of
frameworks to manage the collection of reef organisms
for trade on a sustainable basis. Certification schemes
and associated operational standards for the industry
need to be further developed and more widely applied
to make certain that fish are collected, handled and
transported in a manner that minimizes stress to the
animals right through the process from ‘reef to retail’.
Raising awareness through the circulation of information
materials about these standards and the steps that
consumers can take to help ensure animals are being
collected in a way that is sustainable should also be
promoted. The purchasing power that hobbyists possess is
undoubtedly the single most important market force in the
marine aquarium industry. If sufficient numbers of
informed consumers demand fish that have been caught
using sustainable techniques it is likely that this will have
important positive repercussions on fishing methods
globally. In source countries, and particularly in Southeast
Asia, steps need to be taken to reform policies, strengthen
institutions (e.g. mount public awareness campaigns in
the media and schools) and develop pro-active training
programmes to encourage collectors to use nondestructive
methods.
Species that are unsuited to life in aquaria or
exhibit low population densities, restricted ranges, or life
history traits that make them particularly vulnerable to
collection, should receive special attention to reduce the
risks of overexploitation.
The designation of marine reserves, establishment
of quotas and size limits in addition to measures
to limit access to the fishery are examples of ways in
which population stocks of marine ornamentals could be
both conserved and managed so as to provide sustainable
livelihoods for low-income coastal populations. It is
important that management decisions, such as the
location of reserves, involve the participation of all
stakeholders, including appropriate consultation with
scientists and fishermen at the local and national levels.
In this way, conflicts can be minimized and benefits
optimized.
Finally, further research into mariculture
technologies is needed in order to take pressure off
wild stocks and increase the cost effectiveness of
facilities. Such projects should develop as an alternative
livelihood for fishing communities in source countries,
thereby integrating conservation and sustainable
development objectives.
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