Aquarium Fisheries - Word on the Shore , Value ChainAquarium Fisheries - Word on the Shore , Value Chainhttps://www.aquariumfisheries.com/blogs/value-chainSun, 07 Dec 2025 14:12:23 -0800http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Aquarium Fisheries Welcomes Absolutely Fish]]>https://www.aquariumfisheries.com/blogs/post/absolutely-fishAquarium Fisheries and Absolutely Fish are embarking on an adventure together to educate US marine aquarium businesses on best practices.]]>
Aquarium Fisheries' Paul Anderson (right) gathers with the Absolutely Fish Team for a group photo.


Empowering sustainable 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 aquarium trade to join in this mission, Aquarium Fisheries 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.

Absolutely Fish's retail store in Clifton, NJ.

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:

Absolutely Fish operates within a culture of education. Here, staff members train on aquarium cleaning procedures.
    1. 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. 
    2. 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).
    3. 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.
This beautiful hamlet greets Absolutely Fish visitors, waiting for the right one to take it to its Forever home.

Inpiring Best Practices



Aquarium Fisheries and Absolutely Fish are embarking on an adventure together to develop and provide programming to educate US aquarium businesses on best practices in fish care and business management.  Together, we seek to upgrade the standard of care across the US 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 an aquarium business or hobbyist passionate about conserving the aquatic ecosystems on which your business depends?  Demonstrate your commitment to empowering sustainable aquarium fisheries with your contribution to Aquarium Fisheries. 

Give to Aquatic Conservation

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 we're doing to achieve our goal in partnership with our members.


'Til next time.

]]>Wed, 28 Aug 2024 12:22:31 -0400<![CDATA[Linking the Next Generation to Aquarium Science]]>https://www.aquariumfisheries.com/blogs/post/at-home-aquarium-scienceIn the midst of a pandemic, the Marine Science Magnet High School pivoted to deliver an innovative teaching model to keep their kids engaged in aquarium science at home.]]>
MSMHS student Cooper Heard scrapes algae off his home aquarium.

To say that teachers faced a challenging two-years while pivoting to protect their students during a pandemic while innovating new educational models to keep them engaged and learning is an understatement. But the Marine Science Magnet High School (MSMHS, Groton, CT) accepted the challenge head-on. In partnership with Mystic Aquarium and the support of Connecticut Sea Grant, MSMHS Aquaculture Teacher Eric Litvinoff conceptualized and delivered an innovative model to keep his kids' hands wet while learning about aquatic husbandry in a hybrid teaching model. 


Litvinoff's innovation was to bring the aquaculture lab to his students' homes in the form of 20-gallon fish tank kit, including all of the necessary supplies donated in part by Aqueon to maintain it, care for fish, and test water quality.  The tanks were distributed to 15 students in his "Aquatic Husbandry" class after learning the basics of setting up and running an aquarium. Once the aquariums were up and cycled, each student received an aquacultured court jester goby donated by Biota, as well as a pair of aquacultured clownfish.  Students were responsible for maintaining their tanks, tracking fish behaviors, monitoring water quality, etc. Through online discussions, students helped their peers troubleshoot issues and celebrate the success of operating a healthy aquarium.

MSMHS student Reily Socha conducts a water change on his home aquarium.

The students' home fish tank kits provided for hands-on science lessons, family bonding around the home aquarium, while fostering a sense of personal responsibility and a respect for nature and living creatures.  Twelve of these students opted to keep and maintain their home aquaria after the school-year. Students and families have reported that their tanks are thriving and have become a fixture in the home.  Additionally, many students have purchased additional equipment, livestock, and decorations on their own; and one student even created their own social media account for their tank. 


You can follow the MSMHS kids and the new aquariums they're cultivating this school year on Facebook & Instagram.

]]>Fri, 17 Sep 2021 11:38:50 -0400<![CDATA[The Next Chapter]]>https://www.aquariumfisheries.com/blogs/post/The-Next-ChapterResearch Aquaculturist Lena Fitzgerald flies to Hawai'i to begin the next chapter of her career.]]>
Photo by C. Miller

Research Aquaculturist Lena Fitzgerald flies to Hawai'i to begin the next chapter of her career...

Lena Fitzgerald has just flown to the balmy island of Oahu to begin the next chapter of her career as the Oceanic Institute of Hawai'i Pacific University's new Finfish Research Assistant!  Members of Aquarium Fisheries were fortunate to work with Lena, fostering her growth in the fields of aquaculture and education, as a Marine Biology Major at Roger Williams University, a Research Aquaculturist at Mystic Aquarium, AND a Teaching Intern at the Marine Science Magnet High School.  Together, we upgrade the value chain of aquarium fish by teaching people in the industry best practices in husbandry and aquaculture.  You GOT this Lena, Congrats & Good Luck!

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