How does the marine aquarium industry affect coral reefs?
Little, or no, regulation is in place as to the ways in which coral organisms are harvested and transported to foreign countries. Reef organisms found in hobbyists shops likely were obtained using destructive measures. Cyanide fishing, or the process by which collectors will stun a desired fish for collection, is known to directly kill corals and other reef inhabitants. For a list of facts in regards to the marine aquarium industry and coral reefs see the website listed below. -Environmental Media Services. “Marine Aquarium Industry Facts.” URL: http://www.ems.org/marine_aquarium_trade/facts.html -Bryant, D., Burke, L., McManus, J., and M. Spalding. 1998. “Reefs at Risk: A Map Based Indicator of Threats to the Worlds Coral Reefs.” World Resources Institure. Washington D.C.
