Where are they all from? – sources and sustainability in the ornamental freshwater fish trade

Abstract

The global trade in ornamental fish involves c. 125 countries worldwide and is worth c. US $15–30 billion each year. This total is dominated (90%) by freshwater fishes, most of which are sourced from breeding facilities located in developing countries, typically in Asia or South America, but also in Israel, USA and Europe. Some fish are still obtained from natural (wild) sources, but the exact percentage of wild‐caught fish is difficult to quantify given a lack of reliable data. Although c. 1000 species of freshwater fishes are widely available (from a total of > 5300 on sale), the most dominant freshwater fishes in the market comprise only 30 species from the orders Cyprinodontiformes, Perciformes, Characiformes and Siluriformes. In this perspectives review paper, illustrative example case studies of wild‐fish collecting (Barcelos and Rio Xingu, Brazil) and breeding projects (Java, Indonesia) are described. In addition, wild‐collecting expeditions to West Papua, Indonesia are discussed, focused on discovering novel species of rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae) for breeding in captivity. Sustainability of the aquarium industry is considered in its broadest sense. The aquarium industry has been portrayed as both a major threat to natural ecosystems, but also as being part of the solution in terms of helping to maintain species when they have gone extinct in the wild or offering an income to impoverished citizens who might otherwise engage in much more destructive practices.

Understanding the United Kingdom marine aquarium trade – a mystery shopper study of species on sale

“…Given sufficient information (and improved traceability standards), the marine aquarium industry could be positively incentivized to improve practices, rather than being forced to do so through top‐down legislation (Militz et al, ). Thus, it might be possible for perceived sinners to become saints in terms of helping to maintain endangered marine aquarium species (such as P. kauderni ) when there is a risk that they might go extinct in the wild and offering an income to impoverished citizens who might otherwise engage in less sustainable and more destructive practices (Evers et al, ; King, ).…”

The sustainable use and exploitation of fishes

“…Sendek & Bogdanov, ), but it is equally relevant for the recreational sector (poaching) and the aquarium trade – where there are disreputable people using a broad range of bad practices, including cyanide fishing to capture aquarium fish. In contrast, there are many people with good intentions complying with trade regulations, and many national and international initiatives have emerged to enhance sustainability (Evers et al ., ; King, ).…”

“…Before the conference, we specifically asked our keynote speakers to address the question in their respective contexts. Our four keynote speakers – experts in the fields of commercial fisheries, aquaculture, recreational and ornamental fisheries – delivered their perceptions on sustainability and we are pleased to announce that the current, FSBI Special Issue includes each of these “viewpoint papers” that describe in full the key messages from their talks (Agnew, ; Cooke et al ., ; Evers et al ., ; Stead, ).…”

“…There are both positive and negative impacts of this shift on local communities. For example, trade in wild-caught cardinal tetras Paracheirodon axelrodi gave incentives to protect the natural habitats of these species within Brazilian rainforests, but this trade is now declining due to breeding facilities of the same species in other parts of the world (Evers et al, 2019). On the other hand, small-scale breeding facilities in southern and eastern Asia provide income and poverty alleviation for many low-income communities (Evers et al, 2019;King, 2019).…”

“…For example, trade in wild-caught cardinal tetras Paracheirodon axelrodi gave incentives to protect the natural habitats of these species within Brazilian rainforests, but this trade is now declining due to breeding facilities of the same species in other parts of the world (Evers et al, 2019). On the other hand, small-scale breeding facilities in southern and eastern Asia provide income and poverty alleviation for many low-income communities (Evers et al, 2019;King, 2019). Both public aquaria and several aquarium trade organisations are now striving for ethical and sustainable sourcing; an example is the aquarium within London Zoo, which is trying to ensure that all their stock are sustainably sourced (Zoological Society of London, 2018).…”