Hawaii’s coral reefs are home to beautiful wildlife that people come from all around the world to see. More than 20 percent of the fish on Hawaii’s reefs are found nowhere else on Earth.
Large numbers of fish and other reef wildlife are taken off Hawaii’s reefs by aquarium collectors to supply the global demand for personal aquariums including in homes, restaurants and hotels. Hawaii is the third largest source of aquarium wildlife worldwide and yet the State of Hawai`i, which is responsible for managing this trade, has not been doing its job to protect these fragile ecosystems.
Wildlife capture for personal aquariums is not only degrading the fragile Hawaiian reef ecosystem, but is also identified as a major threat to 18 of these native species. Help keep fish on the reef! Take action now
Read more about Hawaii’s reef fishes and what we are doing to protect them:
Wildlife captured throughout Hawaii since 1976 (fish + invertebrates).
Source: collection reports submitted to the state by aquarium fish catchers.
Read more:
Impacts of the Aquarium Trade in Hawaii, Presentation (2016)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7VLzaDacRvzMGlyalFEQi1kX2M
Evidence of Aquarium Trade Impacts to Hawaii Reefs and Wildlife
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7VLzaDacRvzQXdnZmlhQUdTVkE
Letters from Hawai`i Environmental Agencies on Aquarium Fish Trade (2015)
https://forthefishes.org/wp-content/uploads/OEQC_EC_Letters_and_PR_from_Groups.pdf
South Kohala Reefs in Dire Straits (2013):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7VLzaDacRvzLUFlTzVIZGlISGM
Letter from Maui Mayor to Hawaii Governor Urging Statewide Ban on AQ Trade (2011)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7VLzaDacRvzLUFlTzVIZGlISGM
Hawaii County Urges Statewide Ban on AQ Trade (2011):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7VLzaDacRvzLUFlTzVIZGlISGM
Kauai County Submits Legislation for a Statewide Ban on AQ Trade (2012):
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Archives/measure_indiv_Archives.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1780&year=2012
Hawai`i Wildlife Conservation Strategy Chapter on Marine Fishes (2005)
https://forthefishes.org/wp-content/uploads/DAR_Marine_Species_of_Greatest_Conservation_Need_CWCS.pdf
Hawai`i Audubon Society Video, Impacts of the Aquarium Trade in Hawai`i (2004)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73ubulR9JwQ
Hawaii State of the Reefs Report (1998)
https://forthefishes.org/wp-content/uploads/1998_DLNR_State_of_the_Reefs.pdf
