Empowering sustainable coral reef aquarium fisheries in the many places in the world where they occur is a herculean effort that needs the unwavering support of fishers, traders, and hobbyists alike.
As part of its initiative to invite the US marine aquarium trade to join in this mission, The Coral Reef Aquarium Fisheries Campaign has welcomed Absolutely Fish to its membership this year. Based in Clifton, NJ, Absolutely Fish is one of the largest independently owned live tropical fish stores in the US, in operation for over 23 years. Known for rare and exotic tropicals, the business houses over 7,000 gallons of marine fishes, 5,000 gallons of freshwater tropicals, and 5,000 gallons of invertebrates and corals. It is powered by 35 passionate employees who conduct their work across two facilities and service clients’ home and office aquaria.
Mission-Driven
Absolutely Fish operates as an education and conservation organization. The business’ ideology and education revolve around life-support; and organic, natural and biological control of health; with an emphasis on environmentally sustainable solutions. They utilize a three-prong approach to act on their core values:
- They educate their community on ethical fish care. They adhere to strict husbandry standards. They document and review suppliers and standard operating procedures (SOPs) annually. They conduct routine training with all personnel.
- They manage with leaders who act as environmental stewards. Absolutely Fish's Owner Patrick Donston leads the way by developing, implementing, and certifying all management, aquarist, and specialist training procedures. With over 100 presentations delivered industry-wide, he has been named the Pet Advocacy Network's Ambassador of the Year (2022) and presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Pet Association (2023).
- They bring the education and conservation of fish keeping to the pet care community in meaningful and relevant ways. By fostering programs such as MAC certification, the Great Hammerhead project, Reef Ball Foundation, and Conserve Wildlife of NJ; they act on their pledge to be champions of the environment. They also support the Ocean Conservancy, the Pet Advocacy Network, Pet Effect, and the World Aquaculture Society.
Inpiring Best Practices
The Campaign and Absolutely Fish are embarking on an adventure together to develop and provide programming to educate US marine aquarium businesses on best practices in fish care and business management. Together, we seek 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 are poised to profit from improved aquarium husbandry and business efficiencies, and the high-quality fish that they provide.
Are you a marine aquarium business or hobbyist passionate about conserving the coral reefs on which your business depends? Demonstrate your commitment to empowering sustainable coral reef aquarium fisheries with your contribution to The Coral Reef Aquarium Fisheries Campaign.
Need more information first? Come swim with us! We invite you to browse our website, follow our social media pages linked to the right, and sign up to our newsletter below. Learn about everything The Coral Reef Aquarium Fisheries Campaign is doing to achieve its goal in partnership with its members.
'Til next time.
