Coral Reef Wildlife Trafficking for a Hobby
98% of all saltwater aquarium animals are wild caught.
Every year, millions of reef animals are collected on Hawaii's coral reefs and shipped to the mainland U.S., Europe and Asia for use in the aquarium hobby. Mortality rates are astronomical. Between capture and retail, up to 40 percent of Hawaii's Yellow Tangs will die before reaching the hobbyist.
January 2010: Over 600 fish, captured for the aquarium trade, found dead in a Big Island harbor dumpster.
In hobby tanks, most of the rest will die within weeks or months from stress related disease; from cramped or failed environments; from improper food; and, generally because the vast majority of those attempting to keep them are too inexperienced. Though Yellow Tangs are extremely long lived in the wild, with an average age of 11 years on a protected reef, by some estimates, just a few percent of coral reef wildlife will survive over a year in captivity.
Studies
have shown that collecting Hawaii's most beautiful and unique species
for the aquarium hobby has caused their populations to decline by 14% -
97% on unprotected reefs.
Hawaii's fishes and critters have no protections from the trade though harvesting or harming coral and rock (!) in Hawaii has been illegal for decades,.
For
a $50 annual license and permit, commercial collectors have access to
every living animal on every reef in Hawaii that isn't protected -
virtually 99% of Hawaii's coral reefs are impacted by this industry.
Please join the grass-roots efforts of citizens concerned about the harvesting, welfare and trafficking of Hawaii's coral reef animals for the marine aquarium hobby.
*Based on 2007 - 2010 reported take with conservative 2X under and non-reporting factored in
(actual take estimated at 2 - 5X reported take).
Please help us stop the counter: DONATE NOW
Nov. 2012: Public hearings announced for Dec. 5 to take comments on proposed aquarium trade rules. Get Oahu Rule Fact Sheet Here. Get West Hawaii/Big Island Fact Sheet Here.
Submit testimony against these destructive proposed rules
Oct. 2012: Earthjustice files lawsuit on behalf of citizens and conservations groups to require Hawaii resource management agency to protect HI reefs from unlimited aquarium trade collection.
Support the Earthjustice Action - Sign the Petition
Spring 2012: Results from a public opinion poll commissioned by The Humane Society of the U.S. and Humane Society International show an overwhelming majority of Hawaii residents want to see an end to commercial aquarium collection.
Winter 2012: Reef fish deaths in Petco stores prompt protests on Maui and later on Oahu. Petco ceases sales of yellow tangs and kole in Hawaii stores, but refuses to switch to ONLY captive bred and continues to offer all Hawaii species in its mainland and internet outlets. Trade journal attributes refusal to cease wildlife sales as concern over potential lost revenues from disinterested hobbyists.
Fall 2011:
- Hawaii, Kauai and Maui county elected officials urge the State legislature, the Dept. of Land & Natural Resources and the Governor to ban the aquarium trade.
- Marine scientist, Dr. Gail Grabowsky, reports that species taken by the aquarium trade are down by 90% on Oahu's targeted reefs
Spring 2011: Years of efforts in Yellow Tang captive culture result in "a handful" of larvae surviving to 14 days. Hailed as a milestone by insiders, commercially available captive bred Yellow Tangs are still years away, if at all possible. Read more...
Winter 2011: Hawaii aquarium trade coverage in All Animals, the Humane Society of the U.S. publication.
2010/2011: Maui County becomes the first in Hawaii to protect coral reef wildlife from the aquarium trade by requiring those capturing them to obtain County permits (tax clearances and fees required) and to abide by Hawaii's animal cruelty law; it also expressly prohibits the trade's harmful handling and shipping practices!
Mahalo for speaking up For the Fishes!
Other News:
November 2010: Hawaii state fisheries biologist admits Hawaii's aquarium trade is unsustainable. Ten years of area closures have resulted in Yellow Tang populations that are 45% worse than in 1999 when their depleted numbers drove the community to take action.
With limitless permits and few take restrictions, the future looks grim. Consider Florida where despite 50% fewer permits, aquarium trade take has increased ten-fold, prompting a collapse warning.
For the Fishes
Protecting Coral Reef Wildlife From the Aquarium Trade
Protecting Coral Reef Wildlife From the Aquarium Trade
Working to Keep Hawaii's Reef Animals on Hawaii's Reefs!
