Save Hawaii's Reefs - The Effects of Salt Water Fish Collectors on the Reefs in Hawaii

Hawaii's Reefs and Aquarium Fish Collection

Aquarium fish collection impacts the environment in many ways. Without stricter regulations, it has an effect on the reef environment beyond the decline in population of targeted species.

Fish fail to reproduce
- Because young fish are targeted, their removal interrupts the reproductive cycle of the species. Yellow Tang can live 20 – 30 years on the reef and may not start reproducing until they are several years old – long after they have been collected.
The ecology of the reef is altered
- A study conducted by Ken Longenecker, PhD student at the University of Hawaii, found that fish on average consumed only 3-3.5 species of prey. Fish are very specific about what they eat. Knowing this, we can assume that hundreds of different species of fish are dependant on each other to survive. What Longnecker’s research finds is that the principles of the entire ecosystem, up and down the food chain, needs to be managed in order to be preserved.
Algae is allowed to grow, killing coral
- 81% of fish collected are herbivores that feed primarily on algae - the most popular being the Yellow Tang. With their numbers in decline, algae is allowed to grow and overtake the reefs, killing corral and thus further altering the ecology of the reef.
Fish don’t live full lives
- While a Yellow Tang can live for 20 – 30 years on the reef, less than 1% live longer than a year in captivity.
It costs the state tax dollars
- Reef-related tourism (snorkeling, diving, and sport fishing) generates $1billion for Hawaii’s economy. The Reef aquarium industry generates $1-2 million according to catch reports. According to the Hawaii Department of Aquatic Resources, the actual catch report is 2-5 times higher than reported by collectors, costing the state millions of dollars annually in tax revenue.
The use of chemicals to capture fish
- While rare in Hawaii, in other parts of the world bleaching and the use of cyanide to capture fish is rampant.

Fish fail to reproduce

The ecology of the reef is altered

Algae is allowed to grow, killing coral

Fish don’t live full lives

It costs the state tax dollars

The use of chemicals to capture fish

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