Losing Nemo?

Natural History, June, 2004 by Judith S. Weis, Amanda Parker, Melanie L.J. Stiassny

Melanie L. J. Stiassny ("Saving Nemo," 3/04) is basically optimistic about the marine ornamental trade in clownfish, because market forces should encourage local fishers to maintain and protect the reefs and their associated fish. That makes sense, but logic does not always hold sway. Overfishing has often put fishers out of business because short-term profits outweigh long-term sustainability of the enterprise.

When I was in Thailand in January, an editorial appeared in the Bangkok Post titled, "'Losing Nemo' through Greed." The editorial speaks about an "assault on our already largely-ruined coastline" to meet the large demand for exotic reef fish. Despite some regulations, inspectors in airports have found many thousands of illegally caught fish in styrofoam boxes. The authors refer to reefs in the Philippines and Indonesia as "being swept clean," Obviously, the editorial writers in Thailand are not as optimistic as Ms. Stiassny.

Judith S. Weis

Rutgers University

Newark New Jersey

I wish I had a dime for every parent I've seen in the past year or so desperately trying to explain to a child that, "Nemo is a saltwater fish ... I don't know how to keep saltwater fish." Even worse are the unscrupulous local fish stores trying to convince these parents that "keeping a saltwater tank is easy."

Another step lower are the same local fish stores that sell fish injected with dyes to an unknowing public. Dyed fish may be attractive, but their colors will fade--if they live long enough.

The lowest step of all are the sellers of baby fish four to six inches long, that become four-foot-long adults.

Amanda Parker

Sharon, Massachusetts

MELANIE L. J. STIASSNY REPLIES: Judith S. Weis is right in stating that populations of marine ornamental fishes may be seriously threatened by poorly regulated trade. But the market value to the fishermen of each individual ornamental fish is likely to be much higher than the market value of an individual specimen of many species of commercial "food fishes." Hence, at least in theory, local fishermen do have a strong economic incentive for sustainable trade in ornamental fishes. Steps must be taken to help inform fishermen, so that they can manage their resources better.

Amanda Parker notes that retailers have a duty to provide accurate information and reliable advice about the fish they sell. However, it is just as important for us, the consumers, to research what we are buying. The Internet offers a wealth of relevant information. If enough of us set criteria for what we want, the market will respond.