Aquarium Fisheries Campaign

By David Ogunda Jr.

On March 11th 2025, Dr. Paul Anderson of Aquarium Fisheries had the opportunity to

speak with the staff of Absolutely Fish. As the founder of Aquarium Fisheries, Dr. Anderson

discussed the goals of his organization; to promote sustainable aquarium fisheries and to

empower the lives of the people who depend on said trade, and how it is achieved. In the

aquarium fisheries industry, many problems are faced by the fish caught during the trade. Along

with poor regulations, overfishing, stressful transport conditions including poor water quality and

overcrowding, and the destructive methods used to obtain fish that can result in localized

extinctions and trophic cascades. Aquarium Fisheries tries to prevent this through providing

awareness of these issues, along with creating policies that incentivize better catching practices,

particularly in Indonesia, where some of the most valued marine aquarium fish are harvested.

With the assistance of local organization IndoReefFish and Aquarium Fisheries are able

to frame better policies to ensure better wellbeing for harvested fish. First, they observe both the

trade and natural histories of fish selected for harvesting, making sure that they are both not

excessively fished and provide a good value for the people who fish them. Also ensuring that

populations from which fish are harvested can recover and not leave behind an ecological gap.

Aquarium Fisheries and IndoReefFish then assist in fisher education, teaching local fishers in

Indonesia not only how to properly catch and package fish for transport, but also on proper net

care and repair to ensure the tools used for capture are well-maintained.

Absolutely Fish has partnered with Dr. Anderson. We are currently writing and

developing new, educational online courses with Dr. Anderson. The first of many is a

comprehensive course for aquatic facility students, operators, and employees. It combines new

technology, up to date science, and sample modules. All chapters will be encompassed with

audio presentations. With his presentation, Dr. Anderson did nothing less but provide well

thought-out explanations on how his organization fulfills its goals. With the help of other

organizations, including IndoReefFish, Mystic Aquarium, UConn, and Absolutely Fish, steps in

aquatic conservation can be made to assist our oceans and waterways in being sustainably

managed in times of climate change and ecological stress. Come to Absolutely Fish during Earth

Week (April 21-27) and learn more about the Aquarium Fisheries campaign and what we are

doing here at Absolutely Fish for ocean conservation.