Proceedings of the International Cyanide Detection Testing Workshop

Purpose of this Document
The purpose of this document is to provide
an overview of cyanide detection testing as
it applies to the capture of live reef fi sh. We
have provided an introduction to the live
fi sh aquarium and food trades, as well as the
techniques that utilize cyanide solutions to
capture fi sh. We have provided a summary
of cyanide detection systems currently used
to determine whether commercial fi sh were
caught with cyanide. Finally, this document
includes a summary of cyanide detection
methods used in medical and environmental
testing. As part of this last element, we have
identifi ed scientists and other technical experts
that are most knowledgeable and experienced
in cyanide detection methods.
We hope this document provides suffi cient
background information for those parties
interested in applying existing methods of
cyanide detection to the development of a
detection system that can be used in marine
fish. To help achieve this goal, we have
presented a summary of the criteria necessary
for development and implementation of an
effective cyanide detection test.
Introduction
The sale of live fi sh from the ocean is a
valuable international trade. The trade
includes aquarium fi sh that are sold through
the hobby market, as well as fi sh sold live to
restaurants for human consumption (also
called the live reef food fi sh trade, or LRFFT).
According to an American Marinelife Dealers
Association survey, in 1995, about 10 million
individual marine specimens were sold in pet
Background Paper on
Cyanide Detection Tests for Live Fish
Patricia Debenham
SeaWeb
95
stores throughout the United States for a total
value of $103.2 million (Marine Aquarium
Council). The United States imports nearly
half of the marine aquarium organisms sold
throughout the world. Other major importers
are Germany, France, Netherlands, United
Kingdom, and Japan. Hong Kong is the largest
consumer of live reef food fi sh and accounts
for 60% of the world trade (Mak, Yanase et
al., 2005 citing Johannes and Riepen 1995).
Live marine organisms are harvested from
the coral reefs of Southeast Asia, the Pacifi c
Islands, South Asia, Indian Ocean, Australia,
Hawaii, Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean,
Brazil, East Africa, and the Red Sea. The
two dominant countries that supply the
ornamental fi sh trade are Indonesia and the
Philippines, accounting for more than half
of the global marine ornamental fi sh trade
(Marine Aquarium Council).
In an effort to ensure that this industry has a
long, healthy future, many governments, nonprofi
t organizations, and industry members
are committed to measures that protect the
environment that produces the fi sh. One
organization engaged in such initiatives is
the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC), whose
mission is to “conserve coral reefs and other
marine ecosystems by creating standards
and certifi cation for those engaged in the
collection and care of ornamental marine life
from reef to aquarium.” A variety of other
organizations focus on issues related to the
capture of live fi sh sold to restaurants.