| Coral reef ecosystems are one of the most biologically diverse natural communities, perhaps second only to tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, like tropical rainforests, coral reefs are in peril. Coral reefs and the fisheries they support have been so heavily exploited that by some estimates as many as half of all reefs are degraded or dead. Global warming, nutrient enrichment, pollution, construction, and overfishing have all placed stress upon coral reefs, but perhaps the most unusual pressure facing reefs is the collection of reef fish for marine aquaria. The demand for marine aquarium fish is one of the major forces driving destructive fishing practices on coral reefs. Does the marine aquarium hobby provide valuable information about the coral ecosystem, or is it merely an elitist hobby? A nationwide survey of retail marine pet stores provides some of the answers. |
