Trade in marine fish for aquariums includes threatened species, lacks oversight: Study – Mongabay

Report on the Sustainability of the Marine Aquarium Fish Trade and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A recent study of the United States marine aquarium trade highlights significant challenges to sustainability, directly impacting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings reveal a heavy reliance on wild-caught species, inadequate tracking, and the trade of threatened species. This situation presents a direct conflict with the objectives of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). While the trade provides livelihoods in coastal communities, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), its current practices pose severe ecological risks that threaten the long-term viability of these marine ecosystems and the economies that depend on them.

Key Findings of the Study

1. Dominance of Wild-Sourced Species: Approximately 89% of the 734 marine finfish species observed in major U.S. online retailers are sourced exclusively from the wild. This heavy reliance on wild capture places immense pressure on natural populations.
2. Trade in Threatened Species: The analysis identified 39 species of conservation concern being traded. This includes 13 species listed as threatened by the IUCN and another 26 with decreasing population trends, directly contravening the biodiversity protection targets of SDG 14 and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
3. Lack of Transparency and Traceability: Nearly 40% of the species available for purchase were absent from authoritative trade databases. This significant data gap illustrates the opacity of the supply chain, which hinders effective regulation and prevents consumers from making informed choices, undermining progress toward SDG 12.
4. Ecological Damage: Collection methods can be destructive to coral reef ecosystems, a critical habitat for marine biodiversity. The use of cyanide and other harmful practices damages the very environments the trade relies upon, further compromising SDG 14.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The current trade model directly threatens marine biodiversity and the health of coral reef ecosystems. The overexploitation of targeted species and collateral damage from collection methods undermine international efforts to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The absence of reliable sourcing information and eco-certification schemes creates an unsustainable pattern of consumption and production. Consumers lack the ability to support responsible practices, and the industry lacks accountability for its ecological impact.
• SDG 8 & SDG 1: Decent Work and Economic Growth & No Poverty: The trade is a key source of income for coastal communities in developing nations such as Indonesia and the Philippines. However, the unsustainable nature of the trade jeopardizes the long-term security of these livelihoods. A collapse in fish populations due to over-harvesting would eliminate this economic resource, hindering progress on poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The report implicitly links the trade’s future to climate action. The viability of the marine ornamental trade is entirely dependent on the health of coral reefs, which are critically threatened by climate change. Without concerted action to mitigate climate change, efforts to make the fish trade sustainable will ultimately fail.

Recommendations for a Sustainable Path Forward

1. Enhance Traceability and Regulatory Oversight: Implement robust tracking systems from the point of capture to retail to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain, a critical step for achieving SDG 12.
2. Develop Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Invest in sustainable fishery management and support the development of aquaculture for ornamental species within coastal communities. This approach promotes SDG 8 by creating resilient livelihoods and supports SDG 14 by reducing pressure on wild stocks.
3. Promote Consumer Awareness and Eco-Certification: Establish and promote clear eco-certification schemes to empower consumers to make informed, sustainable choices. This is a key mechanism for driving market-based change toward responsible consumption.
4. Integrate Climate Action: Address the fundamental threat of climate change to coral reef ecosystems. Protecting these habitats is essential for the long-term survival of marine species and the communities that depend on them, aligning the trade’s future with the goals of SDG 13.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the marine aquarium fish trade highlights issues that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals. The primary focus on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable use of ocean resources links directly to SDG 14. The discussion of international trade, supply chains, consumer awareness, and the need for sustainable practices connects to SDG 12. Finally, the mention of the trade’s economic importance for coastal communities in developing nations relates to SDG 8.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – This is the most central SDG, as the article discusses the direct impact of the aquarium trade on marine fish populations, the health of coral reef ecosystems, and the conservation of threatened marine species.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – This goal is addressed through the article’s focus on the unsustainable sourcing of fish, the lack of transparency and traceability in the supply chain, and the call for building consumer awareness and eco-certification schemes.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article touches upon this goal by acknowledging that the trade is a “key source of income for some coastal communities in the Global South” and calls for the development of “sustainable fisheries and aquaculture” to support these communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the specific issues raised, several targets under the identified SDGs are relevant:

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts…” This target is relevant because the article highlights the negative “ecological impact of the trade on marine ecosystems, including around coral reefs,” particularly from destructive capture methods like using cyanide.
   • Target 14.4: “By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices…” The article directly addresses this by stating the trade is “poorly tracked,” leads to “depleting targeted fish populations,” and involves threatened species. The call for “stronger traceability and regulatory oversight” aligns perfectly with this target.
   • Target 14.7: “By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture…” This is connected to the call to “develop sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in coastal communities in the Global South,” such as in Indonesia and the Philippines, to ensure they benefit from their marine resources sustainably.

2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: “By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.” The article’s central finding that “nearly 90% of traded species are sourced exclusively from the wild” points to an unsustainable use of natural marine resources.
   • Target 12.8: “By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development…” This is directly supported by the article’s statement that “Consumers have no reliable way of knowing whether the fish they buy were sustainably harvested” and the call for “building consumer awareness and establishing eco-certification schemes.”

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.4: “…endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation…” The article discusses an economic activity (the aquarium trade) that is a “key source of income” but is causing environmental harm. The call to shift towards sustainable aquaculture and regulated fisheries is an effort to decouple this economic benefit from the degradation of marine ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article provides several specific data points and concepts that can serve as indicators to measure progress:

• Proportion of wild-caught vs. captive-bred species in trade: The study found that “nearly 90% of traded species are sourced exclusively from the wild.” A decrease in this percentage would be a direct indicator of progress towards more sustainable sourcing (relevant to Targets 12.2 and 14.4).
• Number and proportion of threatened species in trade: The article identifies that “13 were listed as threatened by the IUCN, and another 26 had decreasing population trends.” Tracking and reducing the number of at-risk species being sold is a key conservation indicator (relevant to Target 14.4).
• Traceability within the supply chain: The article highlights a “lack of transparency and traceability within this trade.” An indicator of progress would be the percentage of products that can be traced back to their source, measuring the effectiveness of regulatory oversight (relevant to Target 14.4).
• Availability and use of eco-certification schemes: The call for “establishing eco-certification schemes” implies that the number of certified products available to consumers and the level of consumer uptake would be a measurable indicator of improved awareness and sustainable consumption (relevant to Target 12.8).
• Proportion of aquaculture based in the Global South: The article notes that “most aquaculture for the aquarium trade takes place in Global North countries.” An increase in the proportion of sustainable aquaculture operations within source countries like Indonesia and the Philippines would indicate progress towards Target 14.7.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.mongabay.com