Marine Animals

Aquarium Trade Fish Welfare

The marine aquarium trade involves collection and transport of millions of wild reef fish annually, with significant welfare implications.

Key Facts

Around 25-30 million fish are traded for the marine aquarium industry each year
Cyanide fishing, which stuns fish for collection, causes organ damage and high mortality
Transport mortality in marine fish can reach 20-40% before fish reach retailers
Captive bred fish are increasingly available and have higher survival rates
Sustainable aquarium certification schemes address some but not all welfare concerns

Welfare Considerations

The aquarium trade causes enormous mortality and suffering to wild reef fish through harmful collection methods, transport stress, and high death rates in captivity. Choosing captive-bred fish and certified sustainable sources dramatically reduces welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Choose only captive-bred fish for marine aquaria where available
Research the source and collection method of any wild-caught fish you consider purchasing
Support certification schemes that address both sustainability and welfare
Advocate for cyanide fishing bans in exporting countries
Consider whether marine fishkeeping is appropriate given its welfare footprint