A Year in Review for Sustainable Aquarium Fisheries

2021-11-27 01:42 PM - By Dr. Paul Anderson

As the world finds its new normal out of the pandemic, bringing renewed interest to the aquarium trade along with unique supply chain challenges impacting fishers' livelihoods and shifting demand for aquarium fishes to other parts of the world, it has never been more important to conserve their populations and the aquatic habitats to which they belong. Aquarium Fisheries has been steadfast in its resolve to do just that.

#GivingTuesday

To this end, come join us and let's celebrate our accomplishments for sustainable aquarium fisheries via our 2021 Year in Review, below. Are your passionate about conserving our watery world? About keeping the aquarium trade sustainable for the education, inspiration, and enjoyment of the next generation of people who will be responsible for our Blue Planet? Then please, choose Aquarium Fisheries as your chosen cause this year for #GivingTuesday by clicking the button.

The Association of Zoos & Aquarium's (AZA) Aquatic Collections Sustainability Committee, comprised of 13 public aquaria & zoos throughout the U.S., is committed to sustainable sourcing of the fishes that they exhibit to inspire millions of visitors to learn and care about aquatic conservation. In April, Aquarium Fisheries co-presented a panel discussion with leaders in the field to the Association to emphasize the importance of this mission for all of its members.

With increased market demand for domestic coral reef aquarium fisheries, this year the Campaign completed an analysis of the regulatory landscape for this fishery in the State of Florida, the most prolific source in the U.S., and found a comparatively robust regulatory framework. Perhaps not surprisingly, trends in catch data for Florida marine aquarium fishes have remained largely stable or on the incline over time. Photo by Dynasty Marine Associates, LLC.

This year, Aquarium Fisheries' partners tested the regulation of genes that respond to cyanide in clownfish, providing clues to target specific enzymes for the development of a field test. Photo by C. Miller/Mystic Aquarium.

This year, Mystic Aquarium volunteers completed a nationwide canvas of marine aquarium businesses, generating a database we can analyze to understand the U.S. trade and how to help them achieve environmental and economic sustainability in their business operations. Photo by N. Smit

The Marine Science Magnet High School innovated a new educational experience for their kids while they pivoted to a hybrid model in the midst of the pandemic. This past year, the kids took their classroom labs..that is, their very own aquariums...home with them to learn aquarium & aquaculture science.

In June, Aquarium Fisheries co-presented the 44th Annual Larval Fish Conference along with other leaders in the fields of larval fish biology. This year, we connected aquaculturists with larval fish biologists with the aim to spur synergistic insights to advance both fields.

This year, the Joint Aquaculture Research Lab published a peer-reviewed research article to help aquaculturists increase aquaculture capacity for the royal gramma, one of the most popular marine aquarium fishes in the U.S. Photo by H. Pratt/Mystic Aquarium.

#GivingTuesday

Have we inspired you yet? Please join us in our Goal to empower sustainable aquarium fisheries that healthy aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of people who depend on them across the global value chain. Click the button on #GivingTuesday.

Dr. Paul Anderson

Director, Aquarium Fisheries

https://www.aquariumfisheries.com/

Dr. Anderson has co-managed $2.3M in grants, contracts, and scholarships; authored 30 scientific and popular publications; presented to global audiences of all ages; and developed 11 exhibits. His work has been featured in multiple international national news and media outlets.