The global trade in marine aquarium fish relies heavily on fish sourced directly from wild populations, with many consumers unaware of the practice due to murky supply chains.

New research has revealed the scale of the issue, finding most marine aquarium fish sold online in the US were wild-caught, mainly from the western Pacific and Indian oceans.

Sign up: AU Breaking News email

Globally, about 55 million marine animals are sold each year as part of the aquarium fish trade, an industry worth US$2.15bn. The US comprises two-thirds of global demand, while Australia consistently ranks among the top 20 importers and exporters.

Analysis of 734 marine fish species sold by major US aquarium e-retailers found approximately 90% were sourced solely from wild populations, 7% were both farmed

See Full Page