This report results from collaboration between UNEP-WCMC, the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) and the Import and export companies in the industry. It examines issues surrounding the trade of live coral, fish and invertebrates for the marine aquarium trade. Such trade may amount to as much as US$330 million a year with an estimated 2 million people worldwide keeping marine aquaria.
While there are a few examples of captive breeding, almost all marine aquarium species are taken from the wild, with tropical coral reefs the most important source of specimens for the trade. These mostly originate from the Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. From Ocean to Aquarium presents a brief overview of how the trade functions and the impacts it has on coral reefs, for example, the effects of destructive harvesting techniques e.g. the use of cyanide. However, it also highlights the measures that can be taken to minimize the impacts on coral reefs.
It is with this in mind that organizations are working together to ensure the future for the coral reefs, their animals and the aquarium trade.