Every year, millions of reef animals are collected on Hawaii reefs and shipped to the mainland U.S., Europe and Asia for the aquarium hobby, aka "marine ornamental" hobby. Mortality rates in the hobby are astronomical. Many die in collection. Many more die in transit. One industry expert said, "Virtually none ( less than 1%) live more than a year in captivity."

Many of the collected animals are either endemic to Hawaii (e.g. Potter's angel),  or listed by aquarium experts as completely "unsuitable for captivity" (e.g. Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse, Moorish Idol). All species collected are vital to reef balance. None will survive captivity for anywhere near their potential. Yellow Tangs commonly live FOR DECADES in the wild.                                   

Aquarium collecting in Hawaii has caused significant reef fish population declines. In spite of area closures in Kona, where the vast majority of animals are taken, Yellow Tangs are 45% less abundant than they were 10 years ago when areas were closed to collecting in an attempt to protect already depleted populations. Species commonly seen in the 1970's - gone.  Vulnerable and beautiful butterflyfishes - disappearing.

This trade operates in Hawaii with few restrictions -- no limits on the number of fish or species collected, and permits are only $50 a year for access to every non-protected reef, statewide.

Hawaii's reef animals are fueling a disposable pet hobby, practiced by mostly inexperienced people who mistakenly think it's normal for fish to perish quickly, or worse, simply don't care:  when the fish die, they are thrown out and replaced, just like cut flowers. For the industry, this wildlife is viewed as essential for supporting expensive "dry goods" sales of tanks, filters, lights, etc. 

Please help Hawaii's coral reef wildlife. Sign the petition and:

1)  Go to www.FortheFishes.org, to learn more and sign up for our Action Alerts!

2)  Spread the word to your friends, neighbors and community! Ask your local pet stores to stop selling wildlife taken from the reefs.

3)  Ask your local restaurants and businesses with marine aquariums to stop keeping/displaying marine fish and animals taken from the reefs.

4)  Boycott those businesses that ignore your requests.

Mahalo!

We the undersigned believe strict regulations are immediately needed to protect Hawaii's tropical reef fish from harvesting for the aquarium trade.  Each year millions of Hawaii's reef fishes and invertebrates are exported to home hobby aquarists.  Many of these reef animals are found nowhere else on Earth and are crucial to reef ecosystem health. Most of them will die within a year of leaving the reef.  Hawaii's reefs and their animals are crying out for immediate protection.  Thank you.