#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

Status of Coral Reefs in the Southwest Pacific
ICRAN
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF AQUARIUM HARVESTING OPERATIONS, FIJI
– ICRAN DEMONSTRATION SITE
The aquarium fish trade has a reputation for unethical methods of harvesting,
particularly the use of cyanide and other chemicals to stun fish, which results in
considerable death of corals and fish. Although these practices are largely confined
to Southeast Asia, Pacific Island countries are becoming aware of the potential
environmental problems associated with the aquarium fish trade.
Fiji is the major exporter of aquarium products in the Pacific. More than 500 villagelevel
collectors are involved in the trade and it is the only source of income in some
villages. There is little management of the harvest operations; all species of coral can
be collected with no limit on size and numbers; and extraction methods are not
regulated. Fiji is now seeking a balance between reef health, aquarium animal
collection and community benefits. SPREP (South Pacific Regional Environmental
Programme) has been working with the Government of Fiji to ensure the ecological
sustainability of coral trade industry in Fiji. The expected outcome of this initiative,
which began in 2001, is for coastal communities to get a fair share of the benefits of a
flourishing industry without damaging their ecosystems. Moreover, the Fijian case
study will provide a demonstration project for other Pacific Island Countries already
in the trade, such as Vanuatu, Tonga and Solomon Islands.
Ecological Monitoring: University of the South Pacific and local NGOs aim to
implement long-term monitoring programs in collection areas to improve knowledge
on impacts of coral and fish removal from reefs.
Socio-economic Monitoring: Local NGOs will assist with the socio-economic aspects
of this project, which aims to:
• study the aquarium trade industry in Fiji, the companies involved, type of
trade they are involved in, type of contracts between companies and
collectors, types of products from each area, volume exported, wasted,
method of coral extraction etc.
• analyse the economics of the industry to ensure that there is equity between
the percentage of revenue paid to resource owners and the government,
compared to financial returns to the traders.
Coral reefs are 100% of the natural resources
Ecological Monitoring is planned.
Socio-economic Monitoring is effective.
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