METHODS OF CAPTURE
Although the use of poison for fish capture has been banned for decades, substances such as cyanide and quinaldine are still used in parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and the Philippines, where most coral fishes are exported. [1] This practice not only damages corals and invertebrates, but also kills many non-target fishes, and can cause serious health problems for the fishermen.
tudies indicate that up to 80% of target fishes die either on-site, during transport, or in the aquarium before reaching the final destination. [2][3][4]
Even more targeted, “non-destructive” methods, such as hand nets, can harm reefs depending on the population size and species distribution.
For fishes living at greater depths, proper handling requires slow ascent in a cage (approximately 3 metres every 30 minutes) to prevent swim bladder rupture. However, to increase efficiency, many catchers bring fish to the surface immediately, then deflate swollen swim bladders with a pinprick. This practice causes severe suffering and often leads to death, raising significant animal welfare concerns. [5]
TRANSPORT
IIn exporting countries, fishes are usually quarantined or held awaiting export, which can last from a few hours to several weeks. [6] Prior to transport, fish are typically fasted for 48 hours in plastic bags filled with water to prevent contamination from faeces. This process can calm certain species and reduce bacterial growth, which in turn limits algae development. [7]
Fishes are packed individually or in small groups, depending on the species, and sometimes covered with cardboard or newspaper. Species with spikes are often placed in two plastic bags for added protection. Sedatives, as well as antibiotics and water stabilizers, are sometimes added to the water to reduce stress and aggression among closely packed fish.
Because marine ornamental fishes are high-value, they are frequently individually packaged to minimize mortality, unlike freshwater species. The air in the plastic bags is saturated with oxygen, and the bags are placed in Styrofoam boxes of varying thickness, depending on temperature, season, and destination country. Cooling or heating elements are included as needed to maintain safe transport conditions. [6]
