Proceedings of the International Cyanide Detection Testing Workshop

ATCA) in homogenized fi sh tissue must be used. These methods must demonstrate adequate
sensitivity, specifi city, accuracy, and precision.
The Export Working Group identifi ed the need for a cohesive program in exporting
countries to raise awareness among fi shermen and other stakeholders, and improve capacity
for training, testing, and enforcement. In particular, partnering with local communities,
government agencies, and NGOs was recommended as the most practical way to address
an issue of this magnitude and to increase technical capacity and secure fi nancial support.
Proactive plans must be made “on the ground” to engage the public, retrain and support
cyanide-free fi sh collectors, and provide solid options for a cyanide-free network of exporters.
An export testing scheme would require redefi nition of export procedures and licensing to
ensure testing compliance. Representatives from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam felt
it might be useful for the three countries to meet to develop some common protocols for
testing, enforcement, and education.
The Import Working Group suggested the need for harmonization of standards between
import and export countries to eliminate policy gaps and tighten enforcement. Exporting
parties should improve coordination and communication with importing countries, including
sharing data on collection sites and fi shermen, trade and fi sheries, and exporters. Sharing
such information could help identify legal and illegal shipments for importing countries, and
potential collectors, middlemen, or exporters of concern. U.S. enforcement staff would benefi t
from knowing which companies repeatedly test cyanide-free, as well as those companies that
tend to use cyanide. The group concluded there is an overall lack of comprehensive knowledge
of each country’s requirements, resulting in confusion, corruption, and potential loopholes.
Information on quarantine requirements, documentation needs, and the creation of a unifi ed
labeling and packaging system were all listed as possible ways to eliminate discrepancies. By
establishing a tighter import policy and clear standards for compliance, the United States can
provide stronger incentives for change in the industry.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS
During the fi nal session, workshop participants discussed and formulated nine key
recommendations necessary to mitigate the use of cyanide in the capture of coral reef fi shes.
The recommendations are presented here in priority order. There was general consensus that
the primary issues to be resolved are gaps in our understanding of the cytokinetics of cyanide
in marine fi shes. The next critical steps involve validation of the existing ISE method used to
detect cyanide at points of export, followed by implementation of this test at points of export.
Further research on possible rapid fi eld tests and tests to detect metabolites in fi sh tissue upon
import should be undertaken. Upon confi rmation of an internationally recognized and valid
testing method for cyanide, networks of CDT labs should be established at major points of
export and profi ciency programs should be established for chemists.
Recommendation 1: Determine the pharmaco-kinetics of cyanide
Research is required to determine detectable levels of cyanide and cyanide metabolites in coral
reef fi shes and how these levels change over time following exposure. Without this knowledge,
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