Aquarium keeping is a simple, enjoyable hobby that can provide lots of opportunities to learn about the natural world. Unfortunately, not every company involved in the aquarium trade makes good ethical choices. As a beginner, you could inadvertently find yourself supporting activity that you'd never agree with if you knew more about it. Understanding the issues can help you to make better choices and support the positive side of the trade.
Environmental Sustainability
Most aquarists are aware that overfishing for the aquarium trade can be a problem, especially with rare species. Even popular pets like clownfish are now facing problems in the wild because of it. Overfishing can also cause wider environmental problems by disrupting the food chain, upsetting the balance of the local ecosystem.
How can you avoid buying fish who have been collected in an unsustainable way? The best way is to look for a company that guarantees its fish are captive-bred. Many species breed easily in captivity so you can be fairly sure that's where they're coming from. In other cases, don't be shy about asking for references so you can check out suppliers. The Animal Protection Agency (APA) can provide assistance and advice if you need it.
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