An Inside Look at the Marine Fish Industry: What You Can Do

On a personal level, you want healthy quality fish to appreciate in your home aquarium and on a global level, you want to make certain we are able to preserve and pass down the legacy and beauty of the oceans and its inhabitants that first attracted us to the hobby.

What you can do to ensure healthy quality fish while protecting our reefs

• Global level - We encourage you to be an educated purchaser of the aquatic life for your home aquarium. Familiarize yourself with organizations such as MASNA (Marine Aquarium Societies of North America), Rising Tide Conservation, PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council), WWF (World Wildlife Fund), Reef Check, and CORAL (Coral Reef Alliance) and their efforts to protect our reefs. They are just a few key groups that provide invaluable information as well as plans of action to promote change and increase knowledge about aquaculture initiatives here and abroad.

A great number of hobbyists, marine life dealers, and private individuals are also involved in initiating rapid change in the Philippines and Indonesia by organizing and accepting donations for the purchase and supply of netting material for distribution to Philippine and Indonesian collectors.

Spend some time looking into these organizations and contact them for more information regarding how you can contribute to making a positive impact. All of us that care about our coral reefs and enjoy this rewarding hobby must work together in order to help initiate and promote change.

• Personal level - Proper planning and education are the most important factors when deciding which species of fish are ideal for your aquarium and skill level. Researching species husbandry and care requirements, as well as understanding how the fish made its way to the home aquarium are of the utmost importance to achieve a stress-free and harmonious aquarium for many years to come. While there are vast amounts of information regarding husbandry and care requirements, a factor that is not understood by most hobbyists is where fish come from and the manner in which they made it to your aquarium.

Research where and how your marine fish were collected before they arrived at your home aquarium. It may seem like a daunting task, with so many species and so much information. However, the extra effort is well-worth knowing you have made a sound choice and the thriving marine environment achieved in your home serves as a model for others and a reminder of your efforts.