 Bali fisher Jabo displays the tools of his trade. | December often gives us time and space to wind down and reflect on our adventures and accomplishments over the past year. It gives us a unique vantage point to consider the existential question: "Did we make an impact in the fulfillment of our mission?" The shared goal of The Coral Reef Aquarium Fisheries Campaign is to empower sustainable coral reef aquarium fisheries that support biodiversity conservation, healthy coral reefs, and the livelihoods of those who depend on them across the global value chain. We take three approaches in pursuit of this goal: 1) through Policy, 2) by Upgrading the Value Chain, and 3) by advancing Aquaculture Research and Development. |
| On Upgrading the Value Chain Environmental conservation and management are key pillars of sustainable aquarium fisheries. Equally important is economic equity--for fishers and traders throughout the value chain. That is why The Campaign guided its Indonesian partners through a Value Chain Analysis of the Indonesian marine aquarium fishery. Some of the goals of this analysis are to identify roadblocks that prevent some actors from accessing economic equity in the value chain, and to recommend data-driven solutions to empower fishers and traders to provide for their livelihoods, and those of their families. With our guidance, our partners collected data on these points in the past year, with an analysis and recommendations forthcoming in 2025. We're grateful to the Shedd Aquarium in their role as a principal investigator in this effort, for the Institute of Museum and Library Services for making IndoReefFish possible with their sponsorship, and for the broad support of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and marine aquarium fisheries stakeholders throughout the country of Indonesia. |  The Campaign's Paul Anderson and Rare's Raymond Jakub work with fishers in Southeast Sulawesi to identify species found at their fishing sites. Photo courtesy of Rare. |
 The Campaign's Paul Anderson (right) visits with the Absolutely Fish team. | At the consumer end of the value chain, this year The Campaign welcomed new member Absolutely Fish, an industry-leading aquarium store in New Jersey. Owner Patrick Donston lifts education and conservation as core pillars of the store's mission. He has delivered over 100 presentations industry-wide, has been named Pet Advocacy Network's Ambassador of the Year (2022), and presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Pet Association (2023). This is what makes Absolutely Fish the perfect partner to develop and provide programming to educate US marine aquarium businesses on best practices in fish care and business management. Together, we're working to upgrade the standard of care across the US marine aquarium industry--promoting premium, well-cared for fish that promise to thrive in home aquaria. In so doing, enlightened businesses will be poised to profit from improved aquarium husbandry and business efficiencies, and the high-quality fish that they provide. |
| On Aquaculture Research & Development The Marine Fish Egg Catalog Project spawned (pun intended!) out of a partnership among The Campaign, the New England Aquarium, the California Academy of Sciences, Roger Williams University, and public aquaria and zoos around the world! Sponsored by the AZA, New England Aquarium, and the Academy; the Catalog has emerged as a valuable resource for aquarists to identify species of eggs spawned on exhibit to prioritize for aquaculture. This year, the Egg Catalog moved to AZA's website as a free, open-access resource for aquaculturists everywhere. |  The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Marine Fish Egg Catalog helps aquarists identify species of eggs spawned on exhibit to prioritize aquaculture efforts. |
 | In recognition of its contributions to developing sustainable practices in the public aquarium and zoo community, the Campaign has been honored with induction into the AZA's Marine Fishes Taxon Advisory Group (MFTAG) as a highlighted program this year. AZA's TAGs examine the sustainability and conservation needs of taxa and develop recommendations for population management and conservation based upon the needs of the species and AZA-accredited institutions. The Campaign is honored to be invited to help the MFTAG achieve this goal on behalf of public aquaria and zoos. |
The Coral Reef Aquarium Fisheries Campaign needs your support to conserve our shared coral reef ecosystems--for the benefit of the marine aquarium hobby and trade, and for the benefit of fishers and traders and those who depend on them for their livelihoods. This holiday season, join our Conservation Community and make sustainable aquarium fisheries the gift that you give to the planet by clicking on the button above with your contribution.
Please Make Your Gift Today.
Our Coral Reefs Have No Time to Waste.
 | We wish you a happy and healthy holiday surrounded by the warmth and joy of family and friends. We'll see you next year! |  |
