Aquarama 2015

Partnerships for Fostering Ethical, Beneficial and

2015
Sustainable Aquarium Fisheries

Home Aquarium Fish Sub-group

Scott Dowd
IUCN/FFSG/HAFSG Chair

July 2015
Executive Summary 3

The IUCN, FFSG Home Aquarium Fish Sub-group 4

Next Steps and Timeline 7

Aquarama 2015 Session 1 – Round Table Discussion 8

Strategic Development Meeting 30 May 2015 – Outputs 16

Appendix 1: Aquarama 2015 Strategic Development Meeting Pre-Survey 24

Appendix 2: Strategic Development Meeting Commitment and Feedback 32

Executive Summary
At the Aquarama 2015 Seminars held in Singapore May 28 – June 1 the IUCN Freshwater Fishes
Specialist Group worked with the event organizers to convene discussions, panels, and a Strategic
Development Meeting with the goals of developing a framework to maximize environmental and
socioeconomic benefits as an outcome of the home aquarium trade.

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear there is substantial overlap in the shared goals for
environmental and socioeconomic benefits between commercial stakeholders, the
academic/conservation community, and zoos and public aquariums. Leaders in these three groups
convened at Aquarama to discuss shared goals, shared challenges, and how a harmonized strategy may
yield significant benefits to all.

In the not too distant past, these three groups would not necessarily have viewed the others as
partners; in fact, a certain degree of reservation towards each other was not uncommon. The sincere
commitment to collaboration that took place at the Singapore meeting was, itself, a great step forward.
The key perspectives of the three groups at this point can be described through the following examples:
• Industry: Dr. Gerald Bassleer, President of Ornamental Fish International (OFI), expressed
eagerness for trade members to support research on the industry. He also described
intolerance within OFI for poor ethics and unsustainable practices. He saw a great opportunity
to partner with zoos and aquariums to inspire and foster the next generation of responsible
fishkeepers.

• Academic/conservation organizations: Ms. Lynn Tang from Conservation International (CI),

responding to descriptions of how the aquarium trade is being negatively affected by activists in
the EU, shared examples from CI's work that demonstrate to the trade community that CI and
other mainstream scientific/conservation groups are able and ready to work with industry to
redirect and rebrand it as a force for good. These examples were: a) CI’s commitment to
w o r k i n g o n opening a legal path for the dragonfish (Scleropages formosus) market in the
US, with recognition that the trade of dragonfish will help to direct funds to the conservation of
the species in situ, and; b) s h e c i t e d a case study in which CI maintained their partnership
with the SEA Aquarium despite the fact that the aquarium was being attacked by animal rights
groups in protests over dolphins exhibits.

• Public zoos and aquariums: Cindy Lee of the Toronto Zoo (Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
called for increased two-way exchange between the home aquarium trade and zoos and
aquariums in technology and overall strategic planning. Cindy shared that zoos and public
aquariums have approximately 200 million visitors annually and that they represent an ideal
platform for messaging that will reach a broad and relevant population.

The goal of elucidating the shared priorities by the three groups was met. A broad strategic
framework plan was developed, which calls for the Home Aquarium Fish Sub-group to produce a
Consensus Statement and White Paper identifying opportunities to maximize socioeconomic and
environmental benefit from the aquarium hobby, case studies to be showcased and promoted in public
aquariums and zoos, and harmonized and reflective marketing with commercial trade partners, and the
hobby community.
Home Aquarium Fish Sub-group (HAFSG)
About the HAFSG
For decades home aquarium fish have
been collected from regions of biological
importance across the globe. The vast
majority of the organisms in the home
aquarium trade are represented by
freshwater species (90 percent). The home
aquarium fish trade is a large international
market responsible for hundreds of
millions of dollars annually in revenue for
businesses. Although the majority of
freshwater aquarium specimens are
captive-bred and cultured, there are still
fishing communities residing in areas
of biological importance that capture and
export fishes for the global trade. These Photo: Vincent DiDuca
fisheries are a powerful driver of the local
economies and environmental stewardship
in regions where their collection takes
place. These fisheries face many pressing
issues, including:

• Market competition from ex-situ fish farms

• Public perception pressure on the industry to shift to captive bred stock
• Decline in recruitment of new fish hobbyists and a disconnection with millennials
• Increasing regulations on the importation of wild-captured fishes
• The need to implement Best Handling Practices for wild caught fishes to maximize value and market
competitiveness and minimize fish stress
• The need to develop marketing frameworks to highlight the socioeconomic and environmental benefits
of wild-caught fishes
• The need for solutions that benefit the environment to address unsustainable or destructive practices
• The need to establish fair and equitable distribution of economic benefits
Implementing best practices for the capture and export
of these fishes can provide effective incentives for
communities and workers to fend off other industries and
practices that degrade the environment upon which the
fish depend, resulting in protection for not only the target
species but the entire ecosystem. Many of these regions
that contain marketable species, as well as other species
that may be threatened according to the IUCN Red List,
might not be formally protected by legislation, but they
function as protected areas, as a result of resident-based
stewardship. In important instances in developing
countries, the home aquarium trade has become an
Collecting tetras in Daracua
effective instrument for poverty alleviation, conservation
Photo: Gary Jones, Mars Fishcare of remaining areas of biological importance and critically
endangered species, as well as conserving global climate
stability.

The HAFSG is composed of, and draws from, its Steering Committee and Advisory Board, which includes
the IUCN’s Specialist Groups, partnering NGOs, leaders in the home aquarium industry, and the public
aquarium and zoo community. Science-based findings towards conservation objectives are conveyed via
zoos, aquariums, and other outlets in a harmonized strategy with commercial partners to achieve shared
goals.

With this in mind, the HAFSG has been created with several goals, which include:

• To identify, validate, and promote the conservation and wise management of wild populations of
tropical fishes that are part of the home aquarium trade, as well as the ecosystems where they are found
• To support sustainable, socioeconomic, and environmental benefits for home aquarium fishing
communities, especially living in regions of biological importance
• To develop and implement solutions that result in the most robust market for home aquarium fishes
that promote environmental stewardship, poverty alleviation, and climate stability.
Home Aquarium Fish Sub-group (HAFSG)
Steering Committee

Scott Dowd Deb Joyce Bernardo Ortiz Devin Bartley

IUCN FFSG Home Aquarium IUCN FFSG Home Aquarium WWF/TRAFFIC. Regional Food and Agriculture
Fish Sub-­‐group. Chair Fish Sub-­‐group. Program Director, South America Organization. Senior Fishery
Officer Resources Officer

Randy Brummett Rosie Cooney Paul Boyle Sandra Elvin

World Bank. Senior Chair. IUCN SULi: Sustainable Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Association of Zoos and
Fisheries Specialist Use and Livelihoods Specialist Aquariums. Senior Vice President, Director, Conservation
(Aquaculture & Inland Group Conservation R & D and Policy Research and Policy
Fisheries) Development

Tim Miller Morgan Chris Andrews Kira Husher Marshall Meyers

Oregon Sea Grant. Lead, Merlin Entertainment. Head, IUCN. Director Specialist Pet Industry Joint Advisory
Aquatic Animal Health Animal Welfare and Group Partnerships Council.Senior Advisor
Program Development-­‐ US

Gerald Bassleer Keith Davenport John Dawes Mike Tuccinardi

Ornamental Fish International. Ornamental Aquatic Freelance Author. Editor and Freelance Author. Editor
President Trade Association, Chief International Ornamental and International
Executive Aquatic Industry Consultant Aquarium Industry
Consultant
Aquarama 2015
Partnerships for Fostering Ethical, Beneficial and Sustainable Aquarium Fisheries

Next steps and timeline include:

• June 19, 2015: Open commentary and review on a) the Aquarama meeting report, and
b), the overall strategy of the HAFSG to identify beneficial case studies and
opportunities associated with the trade, which can be used to showcase positive
examples at zoos and public aquariums in a way to foster a market for aquarium fishes
that are sustainable, benefit the environment, and help support local livelihoods.

• Ongoing: The HAFSG Steering Committee (SC) maintains dialogue with the broader
working group of stakeholders within the aquarium fish trade, the
scientific/conservation community, and zoos and public aquariums.

• July 15, 2015: The HAFSG SC will produce a Consensus Statement comprising points
of agreement in regard to fostering environmental and socioeconomic benefits from
the aquarium fish trade.

• September 1, 2015: The HAFSG SC will produce a first draft White Paper describing
examples of where the home aquarium fish trade currently results in environmental
and/or socioeconomic benefit, where through attainable adaptation it could result in
benefit, and where there is the urgent need for environmental stewardship or
livelihoods that could be attained from the aquarium trade.

• Ongoing: Work with trade groups such as Ornamental Fish International (OFI),
Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA), and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory
Council (PIJAC) to seek examples that might be included in the HAFSG White Paper.

• AZA National Conference, Sept 2015: Advance an industry-wide initiative for zoos and
aquariums to showcase examples from the HAFSG White Paper in their exhibits and
programs. This initiative should highlight conservation themes, while encouraging
visitors to enter the fishkeeping hobby and seek fishes that have been sourced in
ways that result in beneficial outcomes.

• Ongoing: Plan development meetings at venues where working group members are
likely to convene: AZA, EUAC, RAW, Aquatic Experience, Interzoo, Aquarama, etc.
Aquarama 2015
Session 1 – Round Table Discussion
Engage, Influence and Collaborate: Maximizing the Synergies of the Public
and Home Aquarium Industries
Moderator:
John Dawes, Freelance author, editor and international ornamental aquatic
industry consultant

Panelists:
- Dr. Rob Jones, The Aquarium Vet, Australia; Consultant to Sea Life
Aquariums in Australia and New Zealand
- Mr. Scott Dowd, Special Adviser to the AZA on Aquarium Fisheries, US
- Mr. Ramon Barbosa Costas, Senior Curator, RWS – S.E.A. Aquarium,
Singapore
- Dr. Gerald Bassleer, President, Ornamental Fish International (OFI)
- Mr. Svein Fosså, President, European Pet Trade Organization; Secretary
General, Norwegian Pet Trade Association
- Mr. Lyle Squire Jnr, Director, Cairns Marine, Australia; President, Provision
Reef, Australia
- Mr. Keith Davenport, Chief Executive, Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association
(OATA), UK

OVERVIEW ON LOGIC FOR HAVING PUBLIC AQUARIA AT THIS YEAR’S

DIALOGUE
- The ornamental fish industry supplies both the public aquaria and home
aquaria sectors
- It is logical to launch a joint venture between the trade and the public
aquaria
- As far as known, this is the first venture where members from both
industries are gathered together to collaborate

NOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS’ COMMENTS ON SUSTAINABLE

HARVESTING FOR PUBLIC AND HOME AQUARIA
- Public aquaria’s point of view → conservation should be promoted
o Sustainability and conservation from collection of animals from the
wild
o SEA Aquarium trying to identify suppliers that sustainably collect
their animals, either being regulated by the supplier itself with its
own code of conduct or ethical moral compass, or by government
regulations
o However, most public aquaria face the problem of it being hard to
find these suppliers
o But SEA Aquarium, for one, is definitely still trying to divert its
suppliers from unsustainable ones to sustainable ones → in hope
that the unsustainable suppliers will eventually face declining
business, and be forced to become sustainable to meet the new
market demand
- Public aquaria’s point of view → yes, indeed, sustainable harvesting is
possible
o But the reality is that, unfortunately, many public aquaria do not
stop to think, or have access to supply chain information to know if
their organisms come from sustainable fisheries
o Another unfortunate reality is that sustainability can be more
expensive
o Indeed, public aquaria need to stop and analyze these fisheries to
make sure that they are sustainable
o Public aquaria, as institutions that should promote conservation,
have the obligation to ask the hard questions and go the extra step
in terms of funding to maintain sustainability
- There are some public aquaria that are doing so, but the sad truth is that
the majority still do not do so.
- Public aquaria may actually be somewhat distant from the trade itself
o Their primary job is to stock and maintain the exhibits, and those
working in the aquaria may not be clear about the trade
o Public aquaria need to be educated on the need to delve deep and
question where the fish are coming from, and check that they are
sustainably supplied
o Public aquaria are in a fantastic position to promote conservation and
the idea of sustainability
 Visitors to public aquaria are there because they love fish, and
are willing to spend their disposable income on seeing the fish
 At the same time, on the technical level, the aquaria have the
capacity to do so – e.g. aquaria have the space to look into the
possibility of breeding of fish. If this can be achieved in exhibits in
aquaria, maybe there’s a possibility to extend the concept to reef
side communities. There is vast possibility for new technology to
be developed

- There is definitely possibility for sustainability

o But we must bring it down to the final consumers. The consumers are
the ones to generate change in the industry, and a key group of these
consumers can be visitors to public aquaria

- The tone of the discussion has been quite negative so far. We need to be more
positive
o The home aquarium fish industry has been around for many
years.
o The very fact that we can sit here at this round table discussion and
publicly assess what we have done wrong is positive
o We should not constantly beat ourselves up; we are definitely not a
perfect industry, but there isn’t a perfect industry, and we should be
proud of what we have come to achieve
- We don’t want to fall into a trap of believing that there is sustainable and
unsustainable, one participant noted and stated:
o There is no such thing as being able to achieve perfect
sustainability
o There are many pressure groups that are looking to attack us, but we
should not let ourselves be vulnerable and easy prey
o We are not solving the issue by completely exchanging wild-harvested
fish with captive-bred fish. By doing so, other sustainability issues may
arise
Don’t go down the road of having no wild-caught fish, and relying completely on
captive breeding as there are massive ambushes [potential for backlash if it is perceived
that ex-situ production is done to the detriment (socioeconomic or environmental) of the region of
origin of the species] down the road

o We have to remember that the home aquarium fishery industry is not

as bad as it may be made out to be; even with wild-harvested fish,
we’re not killing everything that we’re taking out

- Both the ornamental fish trade and public aquaria are under attack
o We can just look at the Blackfish documentary for a clear example
o One participant stated that we should be proactive and not just
reactive. Can we be on the front foot if we are reacting to public
outcry?
o Suggestion from the floor → from the home and public
aquaria point of view, the consumer needs an easy way to
make a choice. The decision-making time frame is only a few
seconds.
o Since the power to make the decisions lies with the consumers, we
should make it easy for the consumers to make the sustainable
choice

- The key question should be → How do we know if it’s sustainable? We need

to fill the gap in knowledge here
o It’s about the capacity to trace the fish to its origin, where it
comes from. We need a process of certification to track and
trace
o To encourage people to do the right thing, to harvest sustainably,
we need to reward them. But to determine who these people are so
as to give them the appropriate awards, we need certification
o The industry could possibly revisit the Marine Aquarium
Council standards
NOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS’ COMMENTS ON ETHICAL vs UNETHICAL
COLLECTION OF WILD-CAUGHT FISH
- There are unethical practices that should be removed, but there are
also things we are doing positively
o No doubt that unethical methods of collection, such as cyanide
fishing, should be eliminated
o But, at the same time, we have to look at the positive. Our wild-
caught harvesting methods are not as bad as we think they are.
They’re not as bad as some practices we live with on a daily basis

- An image and the reality are two very different things

o The industry is incapable of handling any bad image that the
media may have portrayed onto us
o The whole industry takes the blame for those few companies who
are unsustainable, and the image that is painted of our industry is,
at most, a half truth

- Question (directed to the public aquaria) → What efforts are in place to

check that the methods from which you obtain your fish are ethical?
o SEA → We’ve shared guidelines with our suppliers, which they need to
comply with, to ensure that their methods of collections are ethical, and
this is the only possible thing that a public aquarium can do
o SEA is also launching a project to evaluate all the suppliers, trying to
address the hard questions of sustainability
o But even then, a major problem for public aquaria is the task of
convincing management that sustainability is worth the much higher
costs as compared to stocks from unsustainable, unethical suppliers
o Development of technology, such as a technology that allows for
cyanide-captured fish to be detected that they’ve been caught this way,
post capture, and eventually tracing them back to the suppliers

- A case study was shared

o Alex Tropical did not want its sale of captive-bred fish to impact
negatively on the fishing communities, so it decided to make a cash
donation equivalent to what the fish would have been worth to the
communities, for each fish that it sold
o The largest pet retailer in Brazil undergoing rebranding has decided to
embark on the same idea

- The reality is that most fish that come to the US are from countries with the
least effective fishery management
o One participant noted that they did not agree with redirecting
attention to other industries that may also have unethical
practices
o It is important for us to acknowledge where we have gone wrong,
acknowledge the problem and discuss how to solve this

- We must acknowledge that things need to be changed

o But we must, and should, also acknowledge the things that we are doing
right
o The problem with the home aquarium fishery industry is that people
don’t say what we’re doing right, making us easy targets where the
focus is only on what we’re doing wrong

- We need the industry itself to believe that the industry is good

o The industry should not be listening to the people who are working
against the industry and finding means to bring the industry down

- Question from the floor → What is it that the industry is doing right?
o We take a small volume of biomass which has a very high value
o Employment across countries – and across different sectors (e.g. from
beaches to offices)

Create an empathetic audience concerned about conservation

o Raising awareness of invasive species, more than any other
stakeholder
In fact, the pet industry is a solution to the invasive species issue

- Question from the floor → How can we change perspectives of

management in public aquaria, get them to see the importance of
conservation and sustainable choices?

- AZA is in the midst of developing sustainable collection plans, but their

stance on sustainability was on the stock sustainability, instead of
environment sustainability

- Sustainable food fisheries for the fishes in public aquaria?

o There are, indeed, some suppliers that are Marine Stewardship
Council certified, and some public aquaria are using these
suppliers

- What we’ve learnt from the failure of the Marine Aquarium Council
o We have to remember to consider practicality in developing such
certification or measures → it may not be practical to evaluate all
the fishes as the volume is simply too large
o We have to look for practicality, pragmatism, proportionality in any
system that we ultimately end up using in addressing the
sustainability issues

- MAC may now be defunct, but it should be resurrected

o Its failure may have been a result of the lack of industry support,
meaning that with the necessary backing, it is possible to see
such a system come to life
o We should take note – in developing the system on our road to
sustainability, we should only have 1 form of accreditation that
can apply globally
NOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS’ COMMENTS ON FAIR TRADE IN THE
AQUARIUM FISH INDUSTRY

- Fair trade is something that the industry should definitely pursue

o However, we should not boycott fisheries that do not practice fair
trade
o A bad fishery, in some cases, may be better than no fishery →
fisheries connect people with the resource, provide employment
opportunities, people’s livelihoods depend on them. If there is
the presence of the fishery resource, market demand, capacity
and interests by residents, and the infrastructure for getting
fish to market, it provides a very good basis for refinement to
result in benefits
o Boycotting the bad fishery is not able to change anything

- We need to look at what consumers want and expect

o It’s only when the fair trade product is equally good or better in terms
of quality than the non-fair trade product that people will be willing to
pay higher prices for it
o The label itself is of very little interest to the consumer
o There needs to be added benefit for the consumers to want to pay
more for it

- Public aquaria can play a huge role over the above-mentioned

o Public aquaria can take the role of an education centre, place to
advocate importance of sustainability or free trade
o But this is only possible if both public aquaria and the industry tell the
same story

- A survey was conducted (New England Aquarium)

o Results showed that aquarium visitors are twice as likely to own home
aquaria or to want to own home aquaria
o Public aquaria should push the visitors who are already leaning towards
the side of owning an aquarium to do so, should establish new initiatives
to encourage visitors to pursue the hobby.
o E.g. Showcase the benefits of owning home aquaria
o E.g. QR codes for store locator nearest to the current location,
encourage visitors to visit pet stores to purchase their materials to set
up their own home aquaria
o Eventually, maybe only a minority of visitors end up doing so, but this
minority would add to a great increase in hobbyists as a whole
o Public aquaria are a really good platform for the growth of the home
aquaria hobby
- Other positives of owning home aquaria that could be showcased
o Carbon emission layoffs [by supporting an industry that results in
conservation of tropical forests]
o Diseases avoided

- Question from the floor → What measures are we putting in place to run the
bad guys out of town?
o The industry and trade associations really cannot do much, they can only
remove logos or accreditation of these members, but this is only a start,
and may not be very effective
o The industry needs to work with the government – they have the power
to take away the livelihoods of these people with laws and restrictions,
we have to look for other allies

- Technological transfer between the industry and public aquaria

o Public aquaria have the capacity to do things like in-house
breeding, and this information can definitely be shared with the
industry
o Other examples of information that public aquaria can share –
information on the long term growth of the fish as public aquaria
are long term keepers of the fish (e.g. how the fish is handled in its
early stages can have a great impact on its health in later stages of
life)
o We should not forget that there has been much transfer of
technology from the industry to public aquaria, but there has been
very much less press coverage for technology developed by the
industry

- Question from the floor → What are we doing to establish more projects
(great fisheries and great fishery management) like the Great Barrier Reef
marine park so that we can source for fish sustainably?
o Before anything else, the industry needs to give the public the
confidence and establish credibility that it is possible to take fish
from these areas sustainably, and it can be good for the
communities there
o It is only then, with the people’s support, that the government can
start to establish laws and restrictions
NOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS’ COMMENTS ON UNITY IS KEY

- Both public aquaria and the industry need to realise that both have a
common interest in the captive keeping of animals.
o Both serve the purpose of fulfilling the human instinct of
keeping animals, benefit the society in terms of reconnecting an
increasingly urban population with nature

- The industry needs to send the same message, tell the same story as
the public aquaria
o That the trade is a solution, and a mechanism to achieve the
goals of conservation, sustainability
o Case study → collaboration between several public aquaria and the
trade (TETRA), where the public aquaria educators were supposed
to encourage visitors to have their own home aquarium, but this
venture failed as the already over-burdened educators did not put
sufficient energy into the initiative, as there was no conservation
component, and they were asked to promote home fishkeeping for
the sake of growing the home hobby.
o But now, if the message is that the trade is a solution, public
aquaria educators may be much more motivated to spread this
message
o Public aquaria can be the vehicle to educate on the
importance and benefits the trade has on conservation and
sustainability, and the industry can then eventually force
suppliers to move towards sustainability, with the backing of
the consumers
o If public aquaria showcase examples of beneficial fisheries and
sourcing systems, it will provide a very strong incentive for retailers
and suppliers to embrace this model

- All in all, the discussion has brought up a diverse range of views

o This is beneficial, for we, ourselves, can ask the hard questions, and
we can derive strength from asking these questions, and finding the
solutions.
Strategic Development Meeting 30 May 2015 – Outputs
Potential Title: Buy a Fish, Save a Tree…or Reef:
Success through collaboration between the public and home aquarium industries
and conservation scientists

A. Objectives

Using the IUCN Home Aquarium Sub-Group Consensus Statement Draft, to which participants
contributed prior to this Strategic Planning Meeting, we hope to:

1. Develop a strategic framework for coordination regarding home aquarium

fisheries, which provide socio-economic benefits and environmental stewardship.

2. Formalize a collaborative plan to advance coordination between public aquariums,

zoos, home aquarium industries, home aquarium hobbyists and academic scientists
so that they work in concert to increase awareness and education about positive
conservation outcomes from home aquarium fisheries and production systems.

B. Outputs

1. To introduce and gain initial support on developing an IUCN FFSG Home Aquarium
Sub- Group White Paper on home aquarium fisheries.

a. The plan for the White Paper will be to describe case studies in which home
aquarium fisheries are currently resulting in socioeconomic and environmental
benefits, where fisheries could be adapted to maximize benefits, and where there is
the need for environmental stewardship that could be provided by community-based
fisheries.

2. Develop a strategic framework for providing public education and awareness of

socioeconomic and environmentally beneficial home aquarium fisheries:

a. Review and gain feedback regarding the opportunities, develop the role
and strategy for Aquarium and Zoo exhibits, outreach and programming of the
IUCN FFSG Home Aquarium Sub Group case studies. Zoo and Aquarium
Feedback

b. Discuss upcoming academic, science, industry and institution conferences

and events

c. Discuss upcoming books, articles and other media programming

3. Commit to annual meetings and schedule the next meeting

4. Share a document summarizing the significant discussions and action steps from the
Aquarama meetings (perhaps a statement, perhaps a press release, perhaps some notes
from the meeting).

C. Outcomes

1. To conserve the rain forest in the Rio Negro area of Brazil by reversing the decline of the
socioeconomic and environmental beneficial home aquarium fishery currently protecting the
forest and waterways from development.

Facilitated and documented by Facilitators Network Singapore (wwww.fns.sg) Page

Strategic Development Meeting 30 May 2015 – Outputs
Potential Title: Buy a Fish, Save a Tree…or Reef:
Success through collaboration between the public and home aquarium industries
and conservation scientists

2. Encourage discovery, evaluation and, where appropriate, promotion of other

socioeconomically and environmentally beneficial home aquarium fisheries and production
systems throughout the tropics.

D. Programme Agenda

E. Results of Online Pre-Strategic Development Meeting (SDM) Survey (12

respondents)

Q1: What would encourage aquarium fish providers to seek maximum benefit for the
environment?

1. Economics
a. Higher price or stable demand.
b. Providers are informed of financially-attractive and responsible sources.
c. Providers will think about economics and profitability, therefore, there is a need
to provide a premium.
d. Marketing premium that would raise their profile to target conservation conscious
buyers.
e. Providers have the opportunity to publicise themselves as environmentally
responsible.
f. Potential to reach out to new buyers with the message that this is more than a
fish in a fish tank, it is an ecosystem; and here are the mechanisms to create it
and learn more about it.

Facilitated and documented by Facilitators Network Singapore (wwww.fns.sg) Page

Strategic Development Meeting 30 May 2015 – Outputs
Potential Title: Buy a Fish, Save a Tree…or Reef:
Success through collaboration between the public and home aquarium industries
and conservation scientists

2. Knowledge
a. Campaigns/education to convince the public and retailers to acquire stock
from sustainable suppliers.
b. Knowledge that properly managed habitats will allow the trade to continue.
c. Play a role in Project Piaba, LINI or such.

3. Governing bodies
a. Government regulation/support.
b. Accredited fish providers and reward positive actions.

4. Are aquarium fish providers typically ecologically-minded?

Q2: What case studies do you know of where home aquarium fisheries are currently
resulting in socioeconomic and environmental benefits? Please provide
headlines/titles of the cases you know of.

1. Project Piaba
2. LINI in Indonesia
3. Phillippines blue tang culture in cages
4. Jamaica - Urban ornamental fish cluster
5. Galaxias argenteus production in New Zealand
6. Olazul's sustainable aquariums program
7. CI's dragonfish work
8. Live coral trade in the Solomon Islands
9. Queensland’s coral reef invertebrate and fish fisheries

Q3: What would encourage zoo and aquarium visitors to enter the home fish keeping
hobby?

1. Education and Knowledge

a. Show that fish hobbyists can contribute to freshwater conservation through
promoting best environmental practices in marketing; and through promoting
greater understanding of the ecosystems.
b. Showcase the benefits of sustainability projects and of acquiring wild stock
from these sources only.
c. Buy a fish and know that they save a tree could create another kind of (new)
fish keeper.
d. Educate the public about the species that are being currently bred and start the
hobby with those species.
e. Information on fish keeping, maybe 'working' displays of home aquarium
showing equipment and how it works.
f. Zoo exhibits that dynamically show fishes in a way that is obviously affordable to
the public, so that they want to recreate this.
g. Visitors shown that the aquarium as an interesting hobby -- "a small portion of
the Amazon river/wetlands" in your living room, with the commitment of care.
h. Show normal sized aquaria (maximum 200 liters) with a diversity of biotopes and
fish species.
i. Education support networks - how this hobby can promote sustainability.

Facilitated and documented by Facilitators Network Singapore (wwww.fns.sg) Page

Strategic Development Meeting 30 May 2015 – Outputs
Potential Title: Buy a Fish, Save a Tree…or Reef:
Success through collaboration between the public and home aquarium industries
and conservation scientists

2. Network and involvement

a. Organize network of new aquarium owners that supports Amazon conservation.
Make people feel that they are part of something larger and important, with a role
to play.
b. Promote opportunities that virtually connect people with similar interests around
the world.
c. Encourage participation from those in the home aquarium trade
d.
3. A belief that the hobby is "green".
a. If the public think that doing so is environmentally progressive.

4. Know the obstacles

a. Know what keeps people away from the home fish keeping hobby.

Q4. What could the home aquarium industry do to foster the best possible
public perception?

1. Self-policing industry
a. Industry standards to follow.
b. Establish good business practices that support conservation and
communities’ livelihoods.
c. Track down anti-environment aquarium trade and make the outcomes public.
d. Manage the transparency of the supply chain.
e. Set up systems that return trade profit to the conservation of aquarium species
and their associates in the field.

2. Show the benefits, misconceptions and implications

a. It is sustainable, helps (and not harm) the environment or wild population, and
supports the livelihoods of local community.
b. Carry out studies about benefits of sustainability, and showcasing what is
possible. Demonstrate the importance of this trade to people's livelihoods in
collector regions and implications of this livelihood disappearing.
c. Change the idea of how many fish need to be collected to get one reaching the
market due to mortalities during the collection, holding and distribution. This
would help to change the public mindset about how detrimental the aquarium
industry is.

3. Be open about challenges as well

a. Honest public discussion about the challenges in the trade, practices in place to
overcome them, barriers to change and potential solutions, i.e. increased
transparency.

4. Develop a ‘green brand’

a. Develop independently verified and widely recognized ‘green’ brand that allows
concerned consumers to choose branded fishes.

Facilitated and documented by Facilitators Network Singapore (wwww.fns.sg) Page

Strategic Development Meeting 30 May 2015 – Outputs
Potential Title: Buy a Fish, Save a Tree…or Reef:
Success through collaboration between the public and home aquarium industries
and conservation scientists

5. Use media to educate

a. Media involvement highlighting positive values from home to conservation of
habitats, species and livelihoods. Showcase the situation when a business
disappears in an area and people have to resort to environmentally destructive
activities.
b. Engage in advertising campaigns.
6. Education
a. Origin of fish -- wild and tank-raised).
b. Supply chain of home aquarium fish.

7. Responsible ownership

Q5: What would encourage and inspire the millennial generation to enter the
aquarium hobby?

1. Obtain their inputs.

2. Fuss-free fish keeping.
3. Demonstrate educational/environmental/societal benefits, and transparency in supply
chain
4. Peer/parental influence.
5. Share stories, and help them find their own stories.
6. Enable them to effectively link the real world (fish tank) to the virtual world (internet) for
knowledge, ideas, as well as sharing information. The online generation could even plan
or model an aquarium virtually.
7. Leverage on social media.
8. Promotion
a. Logo
b. Brochures
c. Working with pet shops.

Note: Q6 is documented after Q8.

Q7: What would encourage and enhance collaboration and coordination between
public aquariums, zoos, home aquarium industries, home aquarium hobbyists and
academic scientists to increase awareness and education about positive conservation
outcomes from qualified home aquarium fisheries?

1. Clear plan.
2. Well organized network.
3. Interested parties being committed.
4. Leadership (plus money) to drive it.
5. Establish a …
a. e.g. AZA and its global counterpart organisations to execute a comprehensive
strategy for the conservation of aquatic habitats and species across the board.
b. e.g. Group supported by the zoos and aquaria associations, IUCN, and the public
and home aquarium industry.
c. Centralized and efficient facilitator who can provide connections and information.

Facilitated and documented by Facilitators Network Singapore (wwww.fns.sg) Page

Strategic Development Meeting 30 May 2015 – Outputs
Potential Title: Buy a Fish, Save a Tree…or Reef:
Success through collaboration between the public and home aquarium industries
and conservation scientists

d. knowledge hub for all partners to contribute to and learn from.

e. a central place to prioritize solutions and share progress towards improvements.
6. Common goals
7. Establish a green brand
8. Agreed standards for measuring sustainability in the trade
9. Greater collaboration
a. (e.g. between zoos/aquariums and groups like IUCN Specialists groups, or
aquarist organizations) in order for outreach to be more effective
b. public aquaria have usually a bad feeling or impression of the fish industry
10. Send out a unified message

Q8: What else should we consider for a successful Strategic Development Meeting?

*comments by facilitator

1. Origin-based strategies (*customized approach)

2. Asia fish farms (*need involvement or publicity?)
3. Keeping the hobby enjoyable and challenging
4. Conduct a scenario-planning exercise
5. ‘Eco label’ for ornamental fish decision
6. Have champions/well-known personalities for the plan
7. Involvement and engagement of all stakeholders (continue with this kind of meeting)

The survey results for Q6 have been integrated with outputs from the Strategic
Development Meeting, generated by attendees from three key groups:
Commercial Aquarium Industry Representatives, Academic Conservation and
International Development and Zoo & Aquarium Industry Representatives.

Q6: What should we include in the strategic framework for providing public education
and awareness of socioeconomic and environmental beneficial home aquarium
fisheries? Why?

*comments by facilitator
Topic Inputs
Vision and • Create a vision and mission statement as a common
mission message, so that the group speaks in a unified and
statement focused voice.
Measurement standards • Create a clearly recognizable brand that represents "best
environmental practices". Certification needs to be robust,
not ‘green wash’.
• Tie freshwater and marine "best environmental practices"
together.
• Recognize sustainable suppliers e.g. through certification,
showcasing, etc.,
• Have a recognized and trusted brand (*this is a desired
outcome of strategic framework rather than content of
framework).
Research • Create consensus of industry and public aquaria
Information • Provide information package for public.
• Highlight job provision in third world countries.
Facilitated and documented by Facilitators Network Singapore (wwww.fns.sg) Page
Strategic Development Meeting 30 May 2015 – Outputs
Potential Title: Buy a Fish, Save a Tree…or Reef:
Success through collaboration between the public and home aquarium industries
and conservation scientists

Topic Inputs
• Highlight all aspects of conservation and its impacts,
positive and negative, such as energy demands, effects on
wild habitats, etc.
• Avenues for surplus/unwanted fish.
Network • Highlight the benefit of a network/association. Work with
lobbyists (eg: Kept freshwater stingrays off CITES).
• Include the retail trade
• Stakeholders’ involvement to create framework and test
strategies with pilot projects (* this is about how to create
framework).

Publicity • Bring awareness of environmental issues to all regions of

fish export. Identify associations around the world.
• Highlight conservation in an effort to avoid extinction.
• Use publicity channels e.g. online outreach, videos, etc.
• Create publication of good stories from the field/case
studies.
• Implement measurement standards for social
and environmental impacts.
• Implement trade performance metrics.
Champion • Need a spokesperson
• Develop champions. Influence free choice learning.

F. Ideas and Concerns from the Presentations

Topic Ideas and Concerns

Leadership 1. OFI can take the leadership in pushing ES (environmental-social)
standards.
Certification 1. Certification for stores.
Collaboration 1. Tie everyone together (we are individuals).
2. Build trust and mutual reliance; share problems and solutions
3. Co-operation with scientists and researchers.
4. Must get ahead of the ‘siege’ on aquariums and aquarium trade.
5. Certification for stores, but need to change mindset.
6. Need to create the will to make the change.
7. Improve communication between areas of industry at young age
8. Involve hardware and dry goods industry
Publicity 1. Communication strategy to improve image and positive case studies.
2. The industry is outcompeted by activists for exposure.
Outreach 1. Home aquarium in schools.
2. Public aquaria in public areas with free access.
3. International aquarium day.
4. Aquarium competition for local species.

Facilitated and documented by Facilitators Network Singapore (wwww.fns.sg) Page

Strategic Development Meeting 30 May 2015 – Outputs
Potential Title: Buy a Fish, Save a Tree…or Reef:
Success through collaboration between the public and home aquarium industries
and conservation scientists

G. Suggested Declaration Statements

1. Strength in unity for consistency in message.

2. The three components (aquarium industry, NGOs and public aquariums) have global
interest to conserve aquatic habitats and the species living in it, and will work to
develop an international partnership for conservation of aquatic resources and promote
interest in marine and freshwater species.
3. Agreed commitment from participants from the aquarium industry, NGOs and public
aquaria to focus on sustainability for marine and freshwater resources and surrounding
ecosystems, and be proactive in promoting our positive endeavors.
4. We commit to developing stronger communication between the ornamental fish industry,
the public aquarium industry and the conservation research community to promote home
aquarium keeping as an environmental and social benefit.
5. For the first time ever, Aquarama has brought together the aquarium world --
representatives of aquarium enthusiasts, public AQ and professionals to discuss
sustainability and conservation through public awareness.

H. Summary of "My Commitment" Cards

2. 73.68% of the respondents are committed to an annual meeting.

3. More than one respondent stated "Aquarama", "Interzoo", "May to August" as their
preferred time of the meeting.
4. 100% are committed to taking action to implement some of the suggestions, either by
regions or scope of work.
5. 36.84% rated "Excellent" and 63.16% rated "Good" as the overall experience with the
SDM.
6. 36.84% rated "Excellent" and 52.63% rated "Good" that the meeting was effective in
achieving its objectives.
7. Discussing and hearing different opinions from different facets of the industry, using a
structured and independently moderated approach were what the participants liked.
8. As to how the meeting could be improved in future, the responses were more varied and
ranged from inviting more people (and from other groups), to more time, to more
marketing.

Detailed report of the online survey, commitment and feedback responses are given in the
Appendices which follow.

Facilitated and documented by Facilitators Network Singapore (wwww.fns.sg) Page

Aquarama 2015 Strategic Development Meeting Pre-Survey
. Appendix 1
Q1 What would encourage aquarium fish
providers to seek maximum benefit for the
environment?
Answered: 11 Skipped: 1

# Responses Date

1 A marketing premium that would raise their profile to target conscientious buyers that could even pay a bit 5/26/2015 11:50 PM
more for their fish as there is a strong link to the conservation of the wetlands where these are harvested.

2 That is a good question. Are aquarium fish providers typically ecologically minded? 5/26/2015 10:04 PM

3 It all comes down to economics and profitability. Industry will be encouraged IF there is a premium but it is too 5/26/2015 6:28 PM
difficult to differentiate products so how can a premium be derived?

4 Financially attractive stock sources that are environmentally progressive. 5/26/2015 2:36 PM

5 Launching campaigns to raise awareness and convince public aquaria and fish retailers to acquire fish from 5/26/2015 11:56 AM
sustainable suppliers.

6 Regulation from Governments where these fish providers are from and accountable to. Education would help 5/26/2015 11:17 AM
also, but regulation would be most effective in ensuring a level playing field. Also, consumer action - if there
are certain educated consumers who demand it, there are fish providers who will step up.

7 1. Fish providers are accredited and aquariums only source from them 2. If the providers' actions benefit the 5/25/2015 6:01 PM
environment also reward them 3. Governmental support

8 A source of fish independently certified to have been captured/produced sustainably, handled ethically along 5/25/2015 10:26 AM
the supply chain and that have fair trade benefits.

9 Higher price, higher or stable demand 5/25/2015 9:30 AM

10 1) Knowledge that the resources that are the basis of their trade - the aquatic habitats and the fishes in them - 5/23/2015 9:04 AM
are being properly managed so that their trade can continue sustainably. 2) An opportunity to advertise
themselves as being environmentally responsible and supporting people's livelihoods, to obtain the moral
approval of the public 3) An opportunity to reach out to a new buying audience; ie, presenting aquarium fishes
as being more than fish in a tank, but a mechanism to create an ecosystem, learn about it, and learn about
the places where the fish came from.

11 if they can play a role or be a part of a project like Project Piaba or LINI. To have a possibility to sell a 5/23/2015 1:44 AM
'green' fish or invertebrate.

24 /
Aquarama 2015 Strategic Development Meeting Pre-Survey

Q2 What case studies do you know of

where home aquarium fisheries are
currently resulting in socioeconomic and
environmental benefits? Please provide
headlines/titles of the cases you know of.
Answered: 10 Skipped: 2

# Responses Date

1 Projeto Piaba.... 5/26/2015 11:50 PM

2 Project Piaba 5/26/2015 10:04 PM

3 Project Piaba. LINI in Indonesia. Phillippines Blue tang culture in cages. Jamaica - Urban ornamental fish 5/26/2015 6:28 PM
cluster.

4 All wild-capture aquarium fisheries provide social benefit through income. Project Piaba's study population in 5/26/2015 2:36 PM
Barcelos helps to conserve Amazonian igapo forest (we think). The live coral trade in the Solomon Islands
may incentivize coral reef conservation there.

5 Not aware. 5/26/2015 11:17 AM

6 None 5/25/2015 6:01 PM

7 Project Piaba, Galaxias argenteus production in New Zealand 5/25/2015 10:26 AM

8 Olazul's sustainable aquariums program is working towards achieving these benefits. This program is in the 5/25/2015 9:30 AM
pilot stage.

9 Project Piaba studies. CI's dragonfish work. 5/23/2015 9:04 AM

10 None...but if I talk to hobbyists I give an example for the future = Project Paiba and LINI 5/23/2015 1:44 AM

11 Projeto Piaba.... Post seminar

25 /
Aquarama 2015 Strategic Development Meeting Pre-Survey

Q3 What would encourage zoo and

aquarium visitors to enter the home fish
keeping hobby?
Answered: 11 Skipped: 1

# Responses Date

1 During their visits, maybe if they are shown the aquarium as an interesting hobby "a small portion of the 5/26/2015 11:50 PM
Amazon river/wetalnds in your living room” type of message (although no piranhas or electric eels available)
with the commitment of care of the fish, organizing some form of network of new aquarium owners that
support Amazon conservation in their communities, some sort of active role associated to aquarium
hobby...something that makes people feel they are part of something larger and more important and for which
they have a role to play.

2 We hope to find this out! 5/26/2015 10:04 PM

3 Make information on fish keeping available. Maybe 'working' displays of home aquarium showing what all the 5/26/2015 6:28 PM
equipment is and how it works

4 If they thought that doing so was environmentally progressive. If public aquariums actually encouraged 5/26/2015 2:36 PM
participation in the home aquarium trade.

5 Educate the public about the species that are being currently bred and encourage them to start with the hobby 5/26/2015 11:56 AM
with those species, Showcase the benefits of the industry for the environment and the local populations where
sustainability projects have been carried out, encouraging people to acquire animals from the wild from these
sources ONLY.

6 Not sure, many factors involved here. Suggest we poll THEM. Also, I think it may be useful to look at this 5/26/2015 11:17 AM
question in terms of the obstacles that are preventing people from entering the home fish-keeping hobby.

7 1. Attractive displays 2. Husbandry information readily available 5/25/2015 6:01 PM

8 A belief that the hobby is "green". 5/25/2015 10:26 AM

9 Education support networks. Understanding of how this hobby can promote sustainability. 5/25/2015 9:30 AM

10 By showing zoo visitors exhibits in the zoos that dynamically show off fishes in a way that is obviously 5/23/2015 9:04 AM
affordable to the general public. Then the visitors will be likely to want to recreate this themselves If people
can be shown that, by being fish hobbyists, they can contribute to freshwater conservation e.g. through
promoting best environmental practices in marketing; and through promoting greater understanding of the
ecosystems; through promoting opportunities to virtually connect with other people with similar interests
around the world.

11 1/ to show normal sized aquaria (maximum 200 liters) with a diversity of biotopes and fish species 2/ to buy a 5/23/2015 1:44 AM
fish and to know that they save a tree could create another kind of (new) fish keeper

26 /
Aquarama 2015 Strategic Development Meeting Pre-Survey

Q4 What could the home aquarium

industry do to foster the best possible
public perception?
Answered: 11 Skipped: 1

# Responses Date

1 Media involvement highlighting positive values from home to conservation of habitats, species and livelihoods. 5/26/2015 11:50 PM
Showcase the situation when the business disappears in an area and people have to resort to
environmentally destructive activities.

2 Perhaps different types of advertising campaigns. Are there also standards which the home aquarium 5/26/2015 10:04 PM
industry needs to follow? I imagine there are.

3 Responsible ownership - do not dump fish/plants etc into local waterways. 5/26/2015 6:28 PM

4 Hunt down and stop every commonplace aquarium trade practice that is anti-environmental, and make the 5/26/2015 2:36 PM
effort and its outcomes public. Establish supply chains that fuel local conservation. Set up systems that return
trade profit to conservation of aquarium species and their associates in the field.

5 Showing the benefits of sustainable animal collection for the environment and the local human populations. 5/26/2015 11:56 AM
Change the idea of how many fish need to be collected to get one reaching the market due to mortalities
during the collection, holding and distribution. This would help to change the public mindset about how
detrimental the aquarium industry is.

6 That the aquarium industry is sustainable and does not harm wild populations, and, in fact, can help them. 5/26/2015 11:17 AM

7 Sharing of husbandry information. 5/25/2015 6:01 PM

8 Have an independently verified and widely recognized ‘green’ brand that allows concerned consumers to 5/25/2015 10:26 AM
choose branded fish in much the same way that consumers can currently choose fair trade chocolate or
‘rainforest’ coffee.

9 Transparency in supply chain. Honest public discussion about the challenges in the trade, practices in place to 5/25/2015 9:30 AM
overcome them, barriers to change and potential solutions. I.e. increased transparency. Also doing some
studies about benefits of sustainability and showcasing what is possible. Demonstrating the importance of this
trade to people's livelihoods in collector regions and implications of this livelihood disappearing.

10 Promote business practices that support conservation of habitats and their species, and supply sustainable 5/23/2015 9:04 AM
livelihoods (i.e. the Project Piaba approach, being engaged with the communities and the ecosystems where
the fishes are collected). Also, personalize the fish keeping experience more, so that people can understand
the process of how the fish is collected and arrives in their home.

11 1/ Show origin of fish, tank-raised or wild, so the public knows the 'history' of the fish: this would give an extra 5/23/2015 1:44 AM
value; 2/ At the same time, promote wild or tank-raised fish that contribute to socioeconomic and
environmental benefits.

27 /
Aquarama 2015 Strategic Development Meeting Pre-Survey

Q5 What would inspire the millennial

generation to enter the aquarium hobby?
Answered: 11 Skipped: 1

# Responses Date

1 I would ask them what they think.... 5/26/2015 11:50 PM

2 Looking to find out! 5/26/2015 10:04 PM

3 An APP that cleans the tank, feeds the fish :) 5/26/2015 6:28 PM

4 It must be an unambiguously environmentally supportive pastime. Positive impacts on wild populations, 5/26/2015 2:36 PM
benefits to local people engaged in the trade, and low-energy aquarium life support systems would all be
necessary to convince millennials that keeping a home aquarium is overall a good practice.

5 Knowing that the industry has a positive impact on the environment by ‘forcing’ the animals supply chain to 5/26/2015 11:56 AM
operate in a sustainable way, protecting the environment and the animal and human populations.

6 Again, many factors - could be peer influence, marketing, parental influence. Again, we ought to ask THEM. 5/26/2015 11:17 AM
One thing which is clear is that interest is falling with the younger generations. This could be because of the
increase in competition from many new and sexier hobbies.

7 Share fish stories; help them find their individual fish story. 5/25/2015 6:01 PM

8 A belief that the aquarium hobby has educational and environmental benefits to offer. Much the same as the 5/25/2015 10:26 AM
drivers for them taking their kids to public aquariums and zoos.

9 Transparency in the supply chain. Stories about where their fish came from and measured positive impacts for 5/25/2015 9:30 AM
sustainable collection programs.

10 The ability to link what they see in their fish tank, with the internet. They should be able to find information 5/23/2015 9:04 AM
about their fishes, the plants, etc, and share information with others. They are an online generation who
research everything online. They should be able to plan and model their aquriums online. Just as some stores
have online tools that allow you to plan out and decorate your home online, people should be able to plan their
aquariums online; create the aquarium they want virtually and then go out and make it happen; then adapt it
as they go along, e.g. how it would look with different lighting, different plants, etc.

11 Keeping fish is good...for fish, environment and humans; we need to work on good, positive promotion! 5/23/2015 1:44 AM
Use a specific logo and good brochure! Inspire the pet shops! Use social media.

28 /
Aquarama 2015 Strategic Development Meeting Pre-Survey

Q6 What should we include in the strategic

framework for providing public education
and awareness of socioeconomic and
environmental beneficial home aquarium
fisheries? Why?
Answered: 11 Skipped: 1

# Responses Date

1 Good stories from the field, stories with names and faces, reality check, stories about success and also when 5/26/2015 11:50 PM
things go wrong and why, lessons learnt.

2 Working on this from our end. 5/26/2015 10:04 PM

3 Ornamental fish farming and wild collection provides many thousands of jobs in poor rural areas 5/26/2015 6:28 PM
throughout many third world countries. It is also a significant export earner for many third world countries.

4 The framework must be comprehensive, dealing with all aspects of conservation in the wild environments 5/26/2015 2:36 PM
from which aquarium organisms originally hailed, and all aspects of the environmental impacts of maintaining
aquariums (e.g. energy demand, negative vs. positive effects on wild habitats, etc.)

5 The way the aquarium fisheries work needs to go through important changes first to be positively marketable 5/26/2015 11:56 AM
from a socioeconomic and environmental point of view. A certification like MAC would be extremely helpful to
identify suppliers that are sustainable, possess supply chain traceability and practice fair trade.

6 I'm not sure I can answer this as I don't have full knowledge of the topic. But I think in coming up with the 5/26/2015 11:17 AM
strategy, we need to involve various stakeholders and, particularly, the targets that we are trying to
reach, rather than develop a plan in a vacuum. We should also do pilot projects to test out various
strategies
7 Avenues for surplus/unwanted fish; stuck with old fish - no room for new fish. 5/25/2015 6:01 PM

8 A recognized and trusted brand, because, without this, consumers are unable to make quick decisions at the 5/25/2015 10:26 AM
point of sale. Very few will follow research or read relevant articles, but point of sale is where a decision is
forced. Most western consumers are already conditioned and accustomed to seeing ‘eco friendly’ branding in
other product areas.

9 a) Standards for measuring social and environmental impacts so that results can be communicated in a 5/25/2015 9:30 AM
standardized manner. b) Performance metrics for the trade that include transparency and participation.
Highlighing the suppliers who are willing to engage vs not engage, and highlighting the challenges re data
opaqueness. Increasing transparency in the supply chain is going to be key to driving change through the
industry In the debate about the sustainability of livelihoods. We need to consider the other options
communities have. Is there some way we can identify and measure livelihood diversity and type index for
collection regions that highlight the importance of this livelihood? We might see and communicate more
clearly what communities might otherwise be doing if the trade did not exist e.g. deforestation, blast fishing...
etc. I think it’s important to highlight the over-simplicity and sometimes not practical messages of activist
groups who say "STOP", when the reality is far more complex and attempting to stop the trade may a) not
work and b) result in communities switching to other livelihoods.

10 More online outreach from those organizations and from zoos/aquariums, to educate and inform the public; 5/23/2015 9:04 AM
more citizen science engagement like the Freshwater Fish BioBlitz, with greater explanation of how those
photos and data are directly used in science. Publication of case studies showing real examples of success -
to inform the public; but these could also be used as case studies for teaching conservation management,
environmental economics, environmental policy and business, etc. All of these will serve to help people
understand more about their fishes, but also how they fit in natural resource management and support of
livelihoods. Also, develop urban education programs; more and more people are living in cities and
becoming more distant from nature. Aquariums are a way to re-experience nature in inner city schools and
even in the smallest apartment!

11 Spreading the news, articles in magazines, leaflets, news, videos, etc. Why? Because very few hobbyists 5/23/2015 1:44 AM
have knowledge about this (currently most of them think: wild fish are bad...bad for nature and too many die
during collection/transport. Better to buy tank-raised...

29 /
Aquarama 2015 Strategic Development Meeting Pre-Survey

Q7 What could enhance collaboration and

coordination between public aquariums,
zoos, home aquarium industries, home
aquarium hobbyists and academic
scientists to increase awareness and
education about positive conservation
outcomes from qualified home aquarium
fisheries?
Answered: 11 Skipped: 1

# Responses Date

1 A clear plan, a well organized collaborative network where each group of interested parties has a clear role 5/26/2015 11:50 PM
and commitment. The leadership to this is key and it should count with face-to-face meetings ($$$ for this)
to build those active links, then support for follow up is key.

2 Would love to be part of this greater discussion, but having folks representing all these areas at this meeting 5/26/2015 10:04 PM
would be a good start.

3 Wild-collected fish account for less than 10% of freshwater ornamental fish sold throughout the world. 5/26/2015 6:28 PM
Therefore, it is a small part of the industry. Better story is the economic benefits of farming and collection of
ornamental fish in third world countries.

4 The AZA and its global counterpart organizations must get off their duffs, show some courage, and execute a 5/26/2015 2:36 PM
comprehensive strategy for the conservation of aquatic habitats and species across the board. It must not be
seen only through the narrow window of aquarium industry interests.

5 The establishment of a group supported by the zoos and aquaria associations, IUCN, and the public and 5/26/2015 11:56 AM
home aquarium industry where the different parties participate to create the guidelines for a sustainable
industry.

6 There needs to be a centralized and efficient facilitator who can provide connections and information. Also, a 5/26/2015 11:17 AM
knowledge hub for all partners to contribute and learn from.

7 A good cohesive driver/leader and common goals 5/25/2015 6:01 PM

8 A ‘green brand’ supported by all the suggested stakeholders. Bottom line is that if it does not make a 5/25/2015 10:26 AM
difference at the point of sale, it is not making a difference. There also need to be demonstrable benefits to
the ornamental fish industry. They need to sell more fish, sell the fish for more or keep unreasonable
government restrictions at bay. Preferably all three.

9 Agreed standards for measuring sustainability in the trade. Potentially get some inspiration from the 5/25/2015 9:30 AM
collaborative alliance for seafood solutions: http://www.solutionsforseafood.org/projects/common-vision/ I think
identifying, collectively, the key issues that need to be worked on would help, having a central place to prioritize
solutions and share progress towards improvements would be helpful. It’s difficult to even know about all the
different projects that exist in the world regarding improvements. We could be so much more efficient if we
could better collaborate and share data and lessons learned and be a more consistent voice for solutions. It’s
super difficult to find funding to support conservation efforts -- a more unified voice would be extremely helpful.
It would be helpful if there was funding available to get different stakeholders together to develop these
guidlines/common vision. Not all those working on conservation/sustainability programs can afford it.

10 Greater collaboration between zoos/aquariums and groups like IUCN Specialists groups, or aquarist 5/23/2015 9:04 AM
organizations, where those organizations can help zoos with up-to-date and comprehensive information about
the species they are displaying, the threats they face, their importance to people, etc. More online outreach
from those organizations and from zoos/aquariums, to educate and inform the public; more citizen science
engagement like the Freshwater Fish BioBlitz, with greater explanation of how those photos and data are
directly used in science.

11 1/ Positive collaboration: public aquaria have usually a bad feeling or impression of the fish industry. 2/ 5/23/2015 1:44 AM
spreading the same message 3/ make a mutual charter.

30 /
Aquarama 2015 SDM Commitment n Feedback

Q8 What else should we consider for a

successful Strategic Development Meeting?
Answered: 9 Skipped: 3

# Responses Date

1 Strategies based on specific origin countries/regions of origin of the fish, looking at the challenges of each and 5/26/2015 11:50 PM
degree of commitment to conservation/benefits (Peru vs Piaba for example, big differences that need different
approaches).

2 Not sure, wish we could attend. 5/26/2015 10:04 PM

3 The larger proportion of fish come from fish farms in Asia..... this seems to be getting ignored. 5/26/2015 6:28 PM

4 The goal is not just to reform the aquarium trade - this is a proximal objective. The goal is to arrest the mass 5/26/2015 2:36 PM
extinction of aquatic life on earth. The aquarium industry, including the support industries for both the home
and professional aquarium enterprises, must direct their efforts toward aquatic conservation as their core
mandates. Anything less would be a sham.

5 Keeping in mind it is a hobby and, as such, it needs to be enjoyable and fun, but as a hobby it also needs to 5/26/2015 12:27 PM
be challenging.

6 Consider doing a Scenario Planning Exercise - which is basically a visioning exercise of what is the aquarium 5/26/2015 11:17 AM
trade that we want to see in the future (say in 2030)? It helps to bind people to have a common platform and
will also draw out the concerns and motivations of various parties. If you need a facilitator for the Scenario
Planning session, I may be able to arrange. best, Lynn ([email protected]).

7 A decision to move towards the establishment of an ‘eco label’ for ornamental fish. 5/25/2015 10:26 AM

8 It will be important to identify a few people/organizations to 'champion' the plan; to showcase it at major events, 5/23/2015 9:04 AM
etc. Also maybe try to identify a well-known personality to work with you. There are all these programs that
are focused on megafishes, and people are very attracted to them. These are also an opportunity to
dynamically show people how some aspects of those aquatic environments can also be brought into the home
- the species might be smaller, but they can be just as exhilerating.

9 This is a start: Rome was not build in 1 day! To have a continuation of this kind of meetings and try to get all 5/23/2015 1:44 AM
public aquaria and fish industry involved (or, at least, informed) = this could lead to success!

31
Aquarama 2015 SDM Commitment n Feedback
APPENDIX 2
Q1 I am committed to an annual meeting
Answered: 19 Skipped: 0

Yes

No

Unsure

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answer Choices Responses

Yes 73.68%

No 10.53%

Unsure 15.79%

Total

32
Aquarama 2015 SDM Commitment n Feedback

Q2 My preferred time of the year for the

meeting is…
Answered: 19 Skipped: 0

# Responses Date

1 Arrange full session at AZA/RAW 2016 5/30/2015 8:46 PM

2 May-June 5/30/2015 8:16 PM

3 May-August 5/30/2015 8:09 PM

4 Aquarama or Interzoo 5/30/2015 8:07 PM

5 Aquarama 5/30/2015 8:02 PM

6 Any 5/30/2015 7:59 PM

7 Anytime 5/30/2015 7:15 PM

8 June-August 5/30/2015 7:02 PM

9 - 5/30/2015 6:59 PM

10 Open 5/30/2015 6:56 PM

11 Summer 5/30/2015 6:54 PM

12 - 5/30/2015 6:52 PM

13 Comment for Q1: Depends on direction Q2: Now 5/30/2015 6:51 PM

14 - 5/30/2015 6:48 PM

15 November to March 5/30/2015 6:46 PM

16 Aquarama (SG), Interzoo (D) 5/30/2015 6:44 PM

17 In connection with Aquarama, Interzoo 5/30/2015 6:42 PM

18 Aquarama / Interzoo 5/30/2015 6:40 PM

19 May-July 5/30/2015 6:37 PM

33
Aquarama 2015 SDM Commitment n Feedback

Q3 I am committed to taking action to

implement some of the suggestions
Answered: 19 Skipped: 0

Yes

No

Unsure

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answer Choices Responses

Yes 100.00%

No 0.00%

Unsure 0.00%

Total

34
Aquarama 2015 SDM Commitment n Feedback

Q4 I'm interested in being part of the

implementation team for the areas
on…
Answered: 19 Skipped: 0

# Responses Date

1 talking to zoo and aquarium community about benefits of sure partnership as there will be adverse opinions 5/30/2015 8:46 PM

2 Having an annual meeting 5/30/2015 8:16 PM

3 Public aquaria/ornamental industry education 5/30/2015 8:09 PM

4 Brazil 5/30/2015 8:07 PM

5 Brazil 5/30/2015 8:02 PM

6 Asia 5/30/2015 7:59 PM

7 Europe 5/30/2015 7:15 PM

8 Certified brand 5/30/2015 7:02 PM

9 - 5/30/2015 6:59 PM

10 Industry awareness and participation 5/30/2015 6:56 PM

11 Commercial 5/30/2015 6:54 PM

12 Collaboration 5/30/2015 6:52 PM

13 Accreditation 5/30/2015 6:51 PM

14 Conservation partnership 5/30/2015 6:48 PM

15 Promoting chemical-free and sustainable fishing 5/30/2015 6:46 PM

16 Collaboration and leadership 5/30/2015 6:44 PM

17 Could be interested in several (e.g. conservatory/PR) 5/30/2015 6:42 PM

18 Outreach and certification 5/30/2015 6:40 PM

19 1. Developing standards and training. 2. Outreach and education 5/30/2015 6:37 PM

35
Aquarama 2015 SDM Commitment n Feedback

Q5 What is your overall experience with

regard to the Strategic Development
Meeting?
Answered: 19 Skipped: 0

Excellent

Good

Average

Poor

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answer Choices Responses

Excellent 36.84%

Good 63.16%

Average 0.00%

Poor 0.00%

Total

36
Aquarama 2015 SDM Commitment n Feedback

Q6 Has the meeting been effective in

achieving its objectives?
Answered: 19 Skipped: 0

Excellent

Good

Average

Poor

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answer Choices Responses

Excellent 36.84%

Good 52.63%

Average 10.53%

Poor 0.00%

Total

37
Aquarama 2015 SDM Commitment n Feedback

Q7 What did you enjoy/like about the

meeting?
Answered: 18 Skipped: 1

# Responses Date

1 Participating - thank you. 5/30/2015 8:46 PM

2 Discussion 5/30/2015 8:16 PM

3 Structured approach and sharing of ideas. 5/30/2015 8:09 PM

4 Methodology 5/30/2015 8:07 PM

5 Methodology 5/30/2015 8:02 PM

6 Improvement of the aquarium business. 5/30/2015 7:59 PM

7 To hear different information exchange. 5/30/2015 7:15 PM

8 Well facilitated, 5/30/2015 7:02 PM

9 - 5/30/2015 6:59 PM

10 Interaction 5/30/2015 6:56 PM

11 Independent moderator. 5/30/2015 6:54 PM

12 Hearing from other parts of the industry. 5/30/2015 6:52 PM

13 Hearing different opinions from different facets of the industry. 5/30/2015 6:51 PM

14 - 5/30/2015 6:46 PM

15 More ideas and concerns 5/30/2015 6:44 PM

16 - 5/30/2015 6:42 PM

17 Speaking with like-minded people. 5/30/2015 6:40 PM

18 Clear and well-organized. 5/30/2015 6:37 PM

38
Q8 How could the meeting be improved?
Answered: 19 Skipped: 0

# Responses Date

1 Be sure to continue, maybe email out prior meeting to Aquarama registrants to join the seminar. 5/30/2015 8:46 PM

2 Invite old leadership 5/30/2015 8:16 PM

3 - 5/30/2015 8:09 PM

4 News 5/30/2015 8:07 PM

5 News for sustainable opportunities 5/30/2015 8:02 PM

6 More marketing 5/30/2015 7:59 PM

7 Invite more people from different disciplines (eg scientific, fishermen). 5/30/2015 7:15 PM

8 - 5/30/2015 7:02 PM

9 - 5/30/2015 6:59 PM

10 Distribute prepared agenda in advance 5/30/2015 6:56 PM

11 More voices 5/30/2015 6:54 PM

12 - 5/30/2015 6:52 PM

13 - 5/30/2015 6:51 PM

14 Seating and venue ice-breakers 5/30/2015 6:48 PM

15 Better attendance with more leaders involved 5/30/2015 6:46 PM

16 More people from research 5/30/2015 6:44 PM

17 - 5/30/2015 6:42 PM

18 More time 5/30/2015 6:40 PM

19 Need more explanation, may not have been through this process 5/30/2015 6:37 PM

39