Abstract
Marine aquarium keeping is one of the world's most popular pastimes. Aquatic life is s-upplied through the marine ornamental species trade which consists of businesses that collect or culture livestock, transport, maintain, and trade until it reaches the consumer. Over 46,000,000 organisms representing 2500 species are traded annually with a value exceeding US$ 300,000,000. The Philippines and Indonesia supply the majority of livestock, with most specimens being consumed by the USA, Europe, and Japan. Unfortunately, irresponsible parties have caused coral reef destruction through negligent collection p-ractices. Trade professionals and environmental advocates have employed a variety of measures to counteract the malpractice. Production of ornamentals through aquaculture is a leading solution that could reduce destruction by decreasing the need for wild livestock and providing an alternative profession for collectors. To achieve this economic-environmental balance, aquaculture capabilities require improvement through scientific research; additionally the technology must be accessible to countries that depend on collection.
