Posted on: Wednesday, May 30, 2001

Editorial
Fish discovery helps our economy, ecology

News that the Oceanic Institute at Makapu'u is close to completing a technique to rear prized saltwater aquarium fish in captivity is quite exciting.

If scientists can nail down the technique, it opens the doors for expansion of what is already a multimillion dollar industry in Hawai'i. But there would be more that simple economic benefits.

Today, more than 200 species of fish are collected on Hawaiian reefs for shipment around the world. Most of those who gather commercially are ethical and careful about preserving this important resource.

Still, the process inevitably results in the loss of tens of thousands of the animals that die before reaching their final destination.

It also poses a danger to the reefs where they are collected and it depletes the population of wild-breeding fish that are a major attraction for snorkelers and SCUBA divers.

Captive reproduction of these beautiful fish offers a chance for a sustainable industry that complements our natural environment without posing any potential harm.