May | June 2012 Feature title: Ornamental fish and invertebrates for home aquaria

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The International magazine for the aquaculture feed industry

FEATURE

for home aquaria

Ornamental fish and invertebrates

by Dr Jack M James, Aquabiotegch Group, Malta

rose from 28 to 146, and this number is expected to continue to rise. It is expected that most of these are developing countries which see the export of ornamental fish as a means to increase employment and generate wealth. The worldwide value of exports in 2004 was reported to be US$251m, a rise of US$230m in the preceding 30 years at an average 14 percent per annum, with a retail value of approximately US$2.2bn. A further FAO report in 2008 valued While freshwater ornamental fish are exports at US$278m in 2005 (Livengood and largely farmed, thereby providing a sustainable Chapman, 2008). At these rates, it could be and renewable supply, marine species are estimated that global exports now value over largely wild caught, leading to a potential for US$600m, although the effects of the global species loss, ecological imbalance, and habitat economic slowdown are not yet known for degradation. As the ornamental industry pro- the sector. In terms of the division of these exports vides livelihoods in many places where there are very few opportunities for employment, it between regions and countries, 55 percent of the 2004 exports came from Asia, while 25 percent The worldwide value of ornamental fish came from Europe, exports in 2004 was reported to be US$251m, mainly the Czech Republic. Between a rise of US$230m in the preceding 30 years 1974 and 2004, the number of at an average 14 percent per annum, with a countries importing retail value of approximately US$2.2bn. ornamental species rose from 32 to 120, with a slight is important that the industry is encouraged to dip in the interim. The largest of the importgrow, but it is essential that proper monitoring ers of ornamental fish was Europe with 51 is in place to ensure that this growth is sustain- percent (the UK alone imports 19 percent able, in terms of individual species, population of this figure), and North America with 26 percent of the market share (the USA making ecology, and habitat preservation. up 87 percent of this, making the largest single country importer with nearly 23 percent of Industry scale Livengood and Chapman (2008) estimated the global market share). Of the exporting countries, the fastest that some 1539 species of marine and freshwater fish, 102 species of hard and soft growth was seen in Czech Republic and Spain, coral and 293 species of invertebrates were while drops were noted in exports from the traded globally. According to FAO statistics USA, Germany and Hong Kong, presumably from 2004, as summarised by Ploeg (2004), linked to reducing imports into Japan, an between 1974 and 2004, the number of important destination for ornamentals from countries reporting ornamental fish exports these countries.
36 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | May-June 2012

he trade in ornamental fish and invertebrates is a truly global industry, generating many millions of dollars, and touching the lives of a vast range of people. From artisanal fishermen in Indonesia, to importers and exporters in Singapore and Spain, farmers in the Czech Republic and Florida and ending with the home aquarist in any one of hundreds of countries worldwide, the appeal of ornamanetals is worldwide.

Monitoring of the global trade

The effective monitoring of the global trade is essential in order to properly record and analyse the volumes of species traded, in particular those perceived as vulnerable or under threat, to prevent irreversible damage. Through monitoring, a balance can be achieved and maintained between the demand for ornamental species, the need for income and employment, and the ecological requirements of habitats and populations. This balance can then provide for a sustainable industry into the future, reducing the risk of catastrophic loss of habitat or ecological imbalance potentially leading to socioeconomic issues in less developed areas. In 2000, in response to a need for better monitoring of marine ornamental trade, the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) and members of various aquarium trade associations began, in collaboration, to address this need and created the Global Marine Aquarium Database (GMAD). Trade data has been obtained from wholesale exporters and importers of marine aquarium organisms and integrated into quantitative, species-specific information which has been made public. Fifty-eight companies, approximately onefifth of the wholesalers in business, and four government management authorities have provided data to GMAD. In August 2003 the dataset contained 102,928 trade records (7.7 million imported and 9.4 million exported animals) covering a total of 2,393 species of fish, corals and invertebrates and spanning the years 1988 to 2003. It was believed that this data permitted the most accurate quantitative estimates available of the size of the global trade in marine ornamental fish and corals, and the first ever estimates for invertebrates other than corals. A consultation on the monitoring the industry conducted in 2008 carried out for

FEATURE FEATURE the European Commission by UNEP and the be comprehensive enough for WCMC stated that a properly monitored and monitoring trade for conservaform of specific mRNAs, proteins, hormones The fry produced from parsustainably biomolecules. At egg activation and tion purposes. elevated levels ents fed with and other managed industry can present a valuable opportunityfactors become available ofInformation generated have vitamin C tend to by cusfertilization, these for income generation and support to livelihoods, while alsoaprovid- toms and FAO lacks the detail for embryogenesis, sometimes after process higher growth performance ing an alternative to environmentallyor protein inasthe information required for compared with control of activation involving translation destrucconservation Thus, there is a purposes. tive activities. groups. modification. CITES effective ascorbic Not monitoring the trade vitamin C or need in is enhance at targeted could, on It has been documented that the otheracid deficiencyto larval fish exploi- monitoringthe individual species ascorbic hand, lead in an over has been acid in of broodfish. A tation of resources, damagingcollagen and of interest, vitamin C content diet with however the monassociated with hyperplasia of the long term future potential of the internal hemor- etary cost of obtaining permits to industry. The adequate for normal growth cartilage, scoliosis, lordosis, consultation identified the and abnormal trade can bebe sufficient for "Based on 2011 data, approximately 335 may not prohibitive. rhages, resorbed opercules six mechaVeterinary controls, goal is nisms for cartilage in gills, spine and species monitoring the trade at fins with broodfish when the for examsupport million pounds of catfish were processed, ple in the EU, record species level as: to transfer ascorbic acids to deformities of the jaw and snout. EXPERT TPIC 1. the monitoring activities put in C needs level data which could be useful place embryos. Based on recent research, vitamin a reduction of over 50 percent compared devoid reproduction andare observedstages of fish changes, including acinar cell food. Petechiae early (e.g. Marine forbyof certification schemes life degenerative for conservation purposes; howin some viscera. Sometimes, food residue areas, and zymogen granules freeing. Nuclear ever, at the time ofInthe Aquarium the recommended pyknosis of different sizes are observed. and report, to the best production in 2003 are in times Council - MAC) Reproduction remains 10 the gut, the quantity is small and dose for rais2. GMAD adult fish. Theseportion. levels cannot this data performance ing young many cases, inamatory cell was being not captured arval inltration is not conned to the far distal or rectal high Very often the body cavity may contain ascitic to broodfish that suffered the diseasediet has was 3. the statistics generated by Customs and sh and so valuable information a be met by dietary administration evident. In Broodfish up to uid. The stomach and anterior intestine con- two years before the histology study, hyperFAO,to the nutrient is water soluble ofand not being with abundant in a standbecause milky cohesive mucus, among trophy Langerhans islets aggregatedfecundity major influence on tains a clear ardised and accessible manner. 4. CITES readily absorbed / utilized by other organsfound. egg quality. It has also been demonstrat- ferred to oocytes through uptake of extraand brosis were other ndings. In cases of pancreatic lesions, nutritional statusEU broodfish can Main lesions found Finally, Annex D 5. veterinary controls during oocyte development. at ovarian substances from the maternal blood. ed that the also acute of the of the histopathology study enteritis featured by necrosis and sloughing of 6. Annexbeen of the focal coagulat- the epithelium areaffect offspring quality. The accumulation of Immersion enrichment of eggs is another D demonstrated in several species Wildlife InTrade Regulations EU Wildlife Trade It has observed. the intestinal include: Regulations. ive necrosis in pan- lumen, catarrhal proved tonutrients most is dependent on 1) approach to introduce compounds and nutrithat nutrients in broodfish diet are transferred whitish exudate be the in eggs effecessential is associated Inclusion for are not creas, kidney and with they analysing these uptake of extra-ovarian tive nutrient reserves in the female fish and 2) ents into eggs. there was willingness foltoInoocytes throughmonitoring options, the disease. the tool bodies monitoring for conservation concern. However,Immersion aenrichment for intestine. The observed in affected cells. In many cases, determined that certification schemes Also, purposes, providing preceding level data of EC veterinary controlswithbe investigated as a are has small focal degenerative species gonadogenesis. lowed by feeding fry to vitamin C enhanced substances from the maternal blood. tissue the dietary intake pancreatic tissue the renal desirable but provide onlyshowed loss of ascor- unrestricted is needed for no monetary repro- further mechanism found to be an trade. partial changes. In there was up to a 82.4 percent coverage, sh that were infected duringwith maturation, cost feed was also for monitoring the effective Vitamin C species, early ages, up epithelial While are expensive, some have commercial diet. abundant the importer, making it the only instrument been unsuccess-A to roundingandoflarval metamorphosis. Beneficial method. concerns were raised regarding the bic acid of the prepared duction with karyorhectic nuclei was that these controls to broodfish during the This ful, and8.3-fold is little evidence ofCconsumer that could, at found.increased fertility, fecundity fact Injecting vitamin C inwill only accurately there increase of vitamin cellsthe diet effects include time of the report, provide 3.8 in nding suggest that they can be viral replicaspecies level data on the monitoring importsmaturation EU while global awareness.results in 56 to 71.9 percent increase comprehensive has not generally artificial- induced into the improved reproand however, it tion sites in carrier sh; egg quality. been conmed. _OffshoreMaric_Quarter_SplitAd_OMC_Quarter 20/02/2012 that GMAD, being voluntary, was found to not international trade in species of conservation trade may beprogeny performance. Efforts are Page 1 of total ascorbic acid in the eggs respectively. Nutrients in broodfish diet are trans- duction and underestimated, the fact 07:53

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FEATURE there is a system in place which is effective at monitor the ornamental trade is encouraging. It is therefore imperative that monitoring systems which can act on a global scale and based on those identified as being effective are initiated in order to provide proper traceability and sustainable development of the industry going forward. on the species assemblage and the community as a whole. Losses post capture can also be very high, up to 80 percent for some tropical marine

Sustainability of marine ornamental supply

Despite sometimes being accused of causing undue degradation of populations and habitats, the marine ornamental trade is a low volume, high value industry. In 2000, 1kg of aquarium fish from the Maldives was valued at almost US$500, whereas 1kg of reef fish harvested for food was worth only US$6. Furthermore, the live coral trade is estimated to be worth about US$7,000 per tonne, whereas the use of harvested coral for the production of limestone yields only about US$60 per tonne (Wabnitz et al, 2003). There is therefore a clear financial incentive to preserve the important marine habitats and populations which provide to the ornamental industry, such as coral reefs and mangroves. It is clear from the information available that the potential is there for a sustainable and profitable industry, but from the case study of the GMAD, there are clearly still large gaps in the knowledge on, in particular, marine ornamental harvesting. This creates a need for a two pronged approach to developing a sustainable marine ornamental industry the first being improved monitoring as discussed previously, and the second being an effort to increase the number of species which are cultured for the industry. Only one-10 percent of marine ornamental fish and less than one percent of hard corals are cultured (Wabnitz et al, 2003), this is in contrast to over 90 percent of freshwater ornamental species. In order to increase the proportion of marine species cultured, simple and cost effective culture methods must be sought which enable poor communities which rely on harvesting to switch their efforts to culture, thereby moving towards a more sustainable industry while not neglecting the beneficial potential of the ornamental trade for these communities. enjoy-

The responsible aquarist

An appreciation by the home aquarist is the first step to self-regulation in terms of promoting sustainably sourced or farmed animals over those known to come from unsustainable wild fisheries. For example, in some wild fisheries collectors may use highly toxic substances such as sodium cyanide in marine environments and rotenone in freshwater systems to incapacitate the fish prior to collection. Such practices can have long term toxic effects

fish, while other species such as cardinal tetra can have mortality as low as six percent, and so proper species selection to reduce demand for livestock which do not travel well can have a beneficial impact. Additionally, better guidelines for collection, transport, and storage can help to reduce mortality. Therefore the consumer can have a marked impact on enhancing the sustainability of the industry through being aware of and choosing the most sustainably sourced livestock available, while ensuring they are properly educated on the requirements of their chosen livestock, so reducing mortality at home. To highlight the role that responsible and properly informed aquarists can play, trade data, correlated with aquarium suitability information, indicates that two species known not to acclimatise well to aquarium conditions are nonetheless very commonly traded. They are the bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus: 87,000 individuals traded between 1997 and 2002) and the mandarin fish (Synchiropus splendidus: 11,000 live individuals exported to the EU in the same period). Data further indicates that species characterised as truly unsuitable, mainly due to their restricted dietary requirements, such as the foureye butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus), the harlequin filefish (Oxymonacanthus longisrostris) and the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse (Labroides phtirophagus), are also commonly traded, albeit in lower numbers (Wabnitz et al, 2003). Demand for species such as these is presumably perpetuated by mortality in home aquaria due to the unsuitable conditions, and it is these kinds of practises which can be minimised or eradicated through responsible aquarium keeping. The global ornamental trade is a strong and growing industry, and it benefits all walks of life through wealth generation and aesthetic
38 | InternatIonal AquAFeed | May-June 2012

ment. It has the opportunity to become a unique example of an ecologically and financially sustainable and renewable industry, where wealth flows from some of the worlds richest economies to some of the very poorest communities around the world. However, in order to do this, improved systems for monitoring the global trade must be sought and implemented, and aquarists must strive to be as well educated as possible on the source and care of their livestock. In this way, the inhabitants of our home aquaria can remain some of the worlds most popular companion animals, while remaining affordable and healthy, and above all without damaging their natural habitats and populations.

References
Livengood, E. J., & Chapman, F. A. (2008). The Ornamental Fish Trade: An Introduction with Perspectives for Responsible Aquarium Fish Ownership. University of Florida IFAS Extension, (FA124). Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Ploeg, A. (2004). The Volume of the Ornamental Fish Trade. Ornamental Fish International. Ornamental Fish International. Wabnitz, C., Taylor, M., Green, E. P & Razak, T. (2003). ., From Ocean to Aquarium: the global trade in marine ornamental species. Cambridge: UNEP-WCMC. UNEP-WCMC. (2008). Monitoring of International Trade in Ornamental Fish - Consultation Paper. Context.

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