MARINE AQUARIUM COUNCIL
International Certification for the Quality and Sustainability
of Marine Aquarium Organisms … from Reef to Retail
MAC News 2nd Quarter 2004
Director’s Note
A sustainable trade and hobby in marine aquarium organisms begins with responsible collectors who are fishing from managed reefs. These collectors must be knowledgeable and skilled in non-destructive fishing techniques, post-harvest handling, screening, packing, transport, dive safety, equipment maintenance, record keeping and more.
When MAC was established, the intent was for the training of collectors to be largely undertaken by partner organizations. However, experience has shown that MAC must take a more direct role in training to significantly improve the marine ornamentals supply on a large scale and in a timely manner. Moreover, we have learned that skilled local collectors who have been properly trained by MAC are the best suited to train other collectors.
These MAC Trainers have the field expertise, credibility and language skills needed to live and work in a rural fishing community for the months that it takes to train collectors properly. MAC Trainers also are familiar with ways unscrupulous collectors might try to get around some of the requirements of the MAC Standards, and so they are an important part of improving compliance by collectors. As you will read below, in the last three months, skilled collectors in the Philippines have been identified and 34 were selected and trained as MAC Trainers. Ten of these collectors received additional training to prepare them as team leaders.
Now, a long-term training program for collectors is underway that involves these trainers and the new MAC comprehensive training manual. The MAC training program builds and improves on the earlier efforts of other individuals and organizations that have worked with marine ornamentals collectors. It includes the provision of nets and other materials and ongoing support and monitoring for each selected collection area. Training has taken place in the Philippines, Indonesia and Fiji and will expand in all these countries plus others. The results of this effort will be seen in the months to come.
Philippines Update: MAC Launches Major Collector Training Program
Thirty-four collectors from Batangas, Leyte, Bohol and Cebu completed the MAC Training of Trainers Workshop, held March 30 to April 5, 2004, on Camotes Island, Cebu. The workshop was run by MAC staff from Hawaii, Indonesia and Fiji and facilitated by Rutth Gerochi from Ateneo University. The local mayor, who expressed his enthusiasm for supporting this initiative, provided the training facility and accommodation. Funding for the training was provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The collectors attending the workshop to become MAC Trainers had an average of 15 years of experience each in the use of various collection techniques. This background provided a solid foundation for the learning of new skills in post-harvest handling, packing, etc. The session on documentation was daunting for some, but they were highly motivated to tackle this new area. The top 10 graduates were assigned as team leaders and provided with additional training in team building and management as well as funding to complete a PADI scuba diving certification course.
Ten MAC training teams are now ready to train collectors of marine ornamentals and their communities the skills needed to meet the MAC Standards for Ecosystem and Fishery Management (EFM) and for Collection, Fishing and Holding (CFH). The training teams are on their way to Palawan and Mindanao to train fellow collectors on the MAC Standards and Certification, safe diving, fishing gear, screening, packing, species identification, water skills, documentation system and coordination of collection efforts (including cooperative financial management). MAC is providing the collector-trainees with nets and other collection materials as part of the training partnership.
MAC Develops Training Manual for Collectors
A manual to help train collectors to meet the MAC Standard for Collection, Fishing and Holding (CFH) has been completed and field-tested. The manual aims to develop both knowledge and skills. It is divided into eight modules that cover an introduction to MAC, dive safety, collecting gear and methods, post-harvest holding and packing techniques, and documentation. During field-testing in April in the Philippines, some modules were presented in colorful animated PowerPoint summaries in the Tagalog language.
A collection of simple black-and-white line drawings accompanies the text. The drawings facilitate the training of collectors with reading and writing difficulties. The drawings will also be made available as a large flipchart for use in coastal villages without electricity. When the manual is used in other supply countries where MAC operates, country-specific components can be added, such as images of locally caught organisms and information on local regulations and procedures.
The MAC collectors training manual is a living document. Following its initial use in 2004, the manual will be revised and updated. During this process, comments will be sought from interested parties.
Collectors in Training to Receive Netting
A critical part of proper training is having proper materials. For responsible marine aquarium collectors, this means having the right kind of nets. After a systematic search and several field tests involving the collectors, MAC has identified and is now providing suitable netting to marine ornamental collectors in Indonesia and the Philippines as part of their training. Provision of the right type of netting encourages the fishermen to use sustainable fishing techniques.
The most important issue considered was not to just donate netting, but rather to make the right netting available to the fishermen. For their part of the “partnership,” the collectors would be responsible for using and maintaining the nets. According to the fishermen, the "ideal" netting has specific material, texture, color and mesh size and is affordable to them. Much of the good netting available is simply too expensive.
The search to locate the netting was complicated by the fact that several manufacturers that previously sold suitable netting had closed down. Other manufacturers could not produce the fine-mesh netting requested because of time requirements, inadequate machinery or high production costs.
Indonesia Update: Dive Safety Training for Collectors
MAC Standards include requirements for safe diving practices. MAC Indonesia organized a series of health and safety dive training sessions for four collectors’ groups in north Bali in May and June with support from the AIR Diving Academy (a Bali-based scuba diving school). A total of 113 fish collectors, mostly free divers (i.e., with mask and fins only) as well as 15 hookah divers, attended the training.
The marine aquarium fish collectors in Indonesia who participated in the training were all very keen to learn about the risks of diving for ornamental fish collection. Many of them had experienced health problems when diving, but they had no idea why these problems occurred.
At the end of the training session, the fish collectors were tested on their ability to plan and undertake safe dives. As each fisherman often financially supports an extended family and friends, a dive-related accident or illness that stops him from working for a length of time can seriously impact a large number of people.
Pacific Islands Update: Collector Training Program Expands to the Pacific Region
After attending the Training of Trainers Workshop in the Philippines in late March-early April 2004, MAC Pacific Trainer Chris Beta and MAC Pacific Resource Management Officer Gregory Bennett began the first training session for Pacific Island collectors in Fiji in June. Six collectors from one company were trained in harvest and post-harvest handling practices that are compatible with the MAC Collection, Fishing, and Holding (CFH) Standard. From this training session, needed improvements in certain practices were identified for the company to follow up on. Training has been planned for new collectors at another company, which will include making and repairing collection equipment and species identification. Collector training is also being planned for the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Kiribati.
In Vanuatu, one exporter is being assisted by MAC to comply with the MAC Standards. MAC also shared information on the Marine Aquarium Trade Coral Reef Monitoring Protocol (MAQTRAC) and equivalent resource assessment methodologies with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) during a visit to Vanuatu in May 2004. Information on the MAQTRAC survey conducted in Vanuatu in February 2004 will assist the industry and the Fisheries Department with management of the aquarium industry as part of their interest in MAC Certification. For more on MAQTRAC, see www.reefcheck.org/management/MAT.asp.
MAC is assisting two Tongan exporters to understand and achieve compliance with the MAC Standards and will be working with stakeholders to develop collection area management plans (CAMPs) for Tonga collection sites later in the year. In addition, collaborative efforts are being made by all stakeholders to develop a National Aquarium Fishery Management and Development Plan for Tonga.
MAC continues to work with villagers in the Solomon Islands. Collector training is scheduled to begin in July 2004, and plans are underway to develop CAMPs for two collection areas.
North America Update: MAC Outreach to Retailers and Hobbyists
MAC Certified retailer Pat Donston of Absolutely Fish (2003 Pet Product News “Retailer of the Year”) joined MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus to present a seminar on MAC Certification at the Backer Spring Show in Atlantic City in April. The 35 participants heard Donston describe how MAC Certification enhanced the performance of his already high quality facility, with better animal health, a staff-training program and an improved bottom line. Donston will present the seminar again in October at the Backer Christmas Show in Chicago.
At the second annual International Marine Aquarium Conference (IMAC) in Chicago in May, MAC North America Coordinator Mark Schreffler staffed the MAC booth, where many subscribed to the MAC News, and several hobbyists and companies expressed their interest in MAC Certification. MAC Board Member John Brandt represented MAC at the Friday night roundtable discussion on “Aquaculture, Responsible Collecting and Captive Breeding: The Right Way to Go.” On Sunday afternoon, MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus gave a presentation titled “What MAC Certification Means for Hobbyists.”
In June, MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus visited four East Coast hobbyist clubs, in addition to visiting Joe Yaiullo, president of the Long Island Reef Association, with John Link, vice president of the association and director of Reef Central.. The trip included a presentation to the monthly meeting of the Boston Reef Society (BRS) followed by an enjoyable afternoon with many of the BRS members at a “tank moving” BBQ; a short introduction to MAC at the monthly meeting of the Brooklyn Aquarium Society (BAS); participation in a “tank tour” of the Chesapeake Marine Aquaria Society (CMAS) with CMAS President Mike Hossom; and a lively discussion and evening meal with the Washington DC Area Marine Aquarist Society (WAMAS) Board. The visits highlighted both the challenges and opportunities for MAC to work more closely with hobbyist groups, which is being met through improved and expanded outreach activities.
In late June, National Public Radio (NPR) “Radio Expeditions” aired a three-part series on exotic fish species collected for aquariums and restaurants. The program featured MAC Philippines Country Director Aquilino Alvarez and MAC training of collectors in the Philippines. The report can be downloaded at www.npr.org/programs/re/archivesdate/2004/jun/reefs.
A five-minute video program on MAC Certification narrated by Alexander Gould, the voice of Nemo of Finding Nemo, has been finalized, and a 60-second version is in the works. The program received enthusiastic responses from audiences at the Regional Aquatics Workshop in May during a MAC update by Board Member Doug Warmolts and at the International Coral Reef Symposium in Okinawa in June during a presentation by MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus. The video and other MAC informational materials have also been included in the US Coral Reef Task Force’s “Coral Reef Resource Roundup” CD. Retailers, educators, public aquariums and marine aquarium societies interested in a copy of the MAC video program can send a request to [email protected].
Former MAC Certified Retailer to Lead Industry and Hobby Efforts in North America
One of the first MAC Certified retailers has become part of the MAC team. Mark Schreffler, former owner of The Reef Shop (MAC Certified in 2002), will join MAC full-time in July 2004 to coordinate outreach and certification activities with wholesalers and retailers in the United States and Canada, as well as collectors and exporters in Hawaii and elsewhere in the region. Based at MAC’s main office in Honolulu, Mark will also work with MAC Communications Director Sylvia Spalding on raising hobbyist awareness.
Europe Update: MAC Materials Available in German, French, Spanish and Italian
MAC informational brochures for hobbyists and industry members are now available in German, French, Spanish and Italian. These translations are posted on the MAC website at www.aquariumcouncil.org/webmediainfo.asp?whatsnew=on. For printed copies of these documents, please contact Peter Scott at [email protected].
In May, MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus attended Interzoo, Europe’s major two-yearly pet trade show in Nuremberg, Germany. Ornamental Fish International (OFI) generously provided booth space for MAC to display its recently translated brochures for hobbyists and the industry. Paul contacted new and old MAC friends and interested parties in the marine ornamentals industry, held discussions with several MAC Board members and MAC Certified companies, and attended the International Pet Advisory Council (IPAC) meeting.
In late April, the German technical assistance cooperation agency (GTZ) hosted a one-day seminar on MAC Certification for stakeholders in Germany. The meeting brought together representatives of German government agencies concerned with the marine aquarium trade, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - Germany, importers, Lufthansa Cargo, OFI and MAC. The group agreed that the meeting was a good basis for beginning a multi-stakeholder network to raise awareness of MAC among the industry, hobbyists and other concerned parties.
MAC Staff Adjustments in Europe as Industry Engages in Certification
Due to his increasing workload as president of Ornamental Fish International since 2002, Svein A. Fosså will be leaving his part-time post as the MAC European Liaison Director. Svein’s standing in the marine aquarium hobby and industry has been critical to developing the credibility and network for MAC in Europe and globally. Svein included his support and efforts for MAC in books, conferences, presentations and articles while maintaining an already full program of writing, lectures and other commitments (e.g., consultant to the Norwegian Pet Trade Organization and secretary to the Scandinavian Pet Trade Union).
MAC Certification Systems Director Peter Scott will be taking up the vacancy left by Svein. Over the past few years, MAC’s priority in Europe has shifted from raising awareness to technical interaction with companies seeking to become MAC Certified. Peter, who has been based in Manila the past few years, has been spending an increasing amount of time in Europe to respond to this need. In January 2004, he re-established a base of operations for MAC in the United Kingdom and will be located there on a part-time basis.
"It has been challenging and rewarding to be so closely involved with MAC during the past four years,” Svein said. “I am tremendously pleased to have had the opportunity to be an active participant in the organization in its critical initial years. I will follow the future development of MAC with considerable interest and of course continue to be an active supporter. With Peter Scott taking over my role, I feel confident that we will see an even higher activity level from MAC's side in Europe and, hopefully soon, many new MAC Certified European businesses."
Mariculture and Aquaculture Management (MAM) Standard Under Review
Work on the MAC Mariculture and Aquaculture Management (MAM) Standard is now well underway, with the fourth draft of the standard provided to the MAM Standard Advisory Group (SAG) in June for review. With this draft, the vast majority of the topics to be addressed by the standard have been identified, following some excellent interaction and input from the MAM SAG during the review of the third draft. A complete draft version of the MAM Standard will submitted to the MAC Board for review and comment following revision based on the June MAM SAG input.
While the MAC Standard review process strives to achieve consensus, there will be areas where this may not be possible. For example, there are differences in opinion regarding genetically modified organisms. It is the role of the MAC Board and its Standards Committee to work with the MAC Secretariat to sort through the divergence of views on these issues and develop a standard consistent with the role and mission of MAC.
More than 50 individuals worldwide are members of the MAM SAG. Additional persons wishing to join this group should submit their name and email address to [email protected]
Upcoming Events
July 18-22: National Marine Educators Association 2004 Conference (St. Petersburg, Florida, USA) http://www.floridamarine.org/education/ ... sp?id=2088
July 21 and 24. MAC Informational Meetings for Industry. The Florida Aquarium (Tampa, Florida, USA) and Courtyard by Marriott, Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (Dania Beach, Florida, USA). For more information, call +1 808 550-8517, email [email protected] or download the announcement at http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/docs/lib ... rfinal.PDF.
Sept. 9-12: China International Recreation Fisheries and Aquaria 2004 conference (Guangzhou Jinhan Exhibition Center, Beijing, China) http://www.aquariachina.com
Sept. 10-12: Marine Aquarium Conference of North America XVI (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) http://www.macnaboston.com/
Oct. 8-10: Backer’s 37th Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference (Chicago, Illinois, USA) http://www.hhbacker.com
Dec. 5-10: Sixth International Aquarium Congress (Monterey, California, USA) www.iac2004.org
MAC in the News
“Coral Reefs in Balance: Exotic Fish Species Hunted for Aquarium and Restaurants; Part 3: Promoting Safer Fishing Methods.” Radio Expeditions. National Public Radio (NPR). June 28-30, 2004. www.npr.org/programs/re/archivesdate/2004/jun/reefs/
“Ask Umbra: The age of aquariums.” Grist Magazine. June 25, 2004. wwwworkingforchange.com/printitem.cfm?itemid=17186
“The MAC Certified Label Means Quality Marine Organisms from Sustainable Sources,” by Sylvia Spalding. PETS International Magazine. May 2004. Page 135.
“MAC Certified marine organisms now coming to Europe from the South Pacific,” by Sylvia Spalding. PETS International Magazine. April 2004. Page 59.
“Concerns surface as local divers spot non-native fish in Florida waters,” by David Fleshler. Sun-Sentinel. April 9, 2004. www.sun-sentinel.com/news/
“Freeing Nemo: Aquarium owners releasing non-native fish could endanger marine ecosystems,” by Sandra Hines. University of Washington. April 7, 2004. www.uwnews.org/
“Fair trade … fish!” by Amanda Farrell. The Villager. Winter/Spring 2004. Page 7.
“Improving the marine aquarium industry through MAC Certification,” by Sylvia Spalding. Business Unusual. Aquarama Magazine. Issue 1. November 2003. Pages 33-35.
International Certification for the Quality and Sustainability
of Marine Aquarium Organisms … from Reef to Retail
MAC News 2nd Quarter 2004
Director’s Note
A sustainable trade and hobby in marine aquarium organisms begins with responsible collectors who are fishing from managed reefs. These collectors must be knowledgeable and skilled in non-destructive fishing techniques, post-harvest handling, screening, packing, transport, dive safety, equipment maintenance, record keeping and more.
When MAC was established, the intent was for the training of collectors to be largely undertaken by partner organizations. However, experience has shown that MAC must take a more direct role in training to significantly improve the marine ornamentals supply on a large scale and in a timely manner. Moreover, we have learned that skilled local collectors who have been properly trained by MAC are the best suited to train other collectors.
These MAC Trainers have the field expertise, credibility and language skills needed to live and work in a rural fishing community for the months that it takes to train collectors properly. MAC Trainers also are familiar with ways unscrupulous collectors might try to get around some of the requirements of the MAC Standards, and so they are an important part of improving compliance by collectors. As you will read below, in the last three months, skilled collectors in the Philippines have been identified and 34 were selected and trained as MAC Trainers. Ten of these collectors received additional training to prepare them as team leaders.
Now, a long-term training program for collectors is underway that involves these trainers and the new MAC comprehensive training manual. The MAC training program builds and improves on the earlier efforts of other individuals and organizations that have worked with marine ornamentals collectors. It includes the provision of nets and other materials and ongoing support and monitoring for each selected collection area. Training has taken place in the Philippines, Indonesia and Fiji and will expand in all these countries plus others. The results of this effort will be seen in the months to come.
Philippines Update: MAC Launches Major Collector Training Program
Thirty-four collectors from Batangas, Leyte, Bohol and Cebu completed the MAC Training of Trainers Workshop, held March 30 to April 5, 2004, on Camotes Island, Cebu. The workshop was run by MAC staff from Hawaii, Indonesia and Fiji and facilitated by Rutth Gerochi from Ateneo University. The local mayor, who expressed his enthusiasm for supporting this initiative, provided the training facility and accommodation. Funding for the training was provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The collectors attending the workshop to become MAC Trainers had an average of 15 years of experience each in the use of various collection techniques. This background provided a solid foundation for the learning of new skills in post-harvest handling, packing, etc. The session on documentation was daunting for some, but they were highly motivated to tackle this new area. The top 10 graduates were assigned as team leaders and provided with additional training in team building and management as well as funding to complete a PADI scuba diving certification course.
Ten MAC training teams are now ready to train collectors of marine ornamentals and their communities the skills needed to meet the MAC Standards for Ecosystem and Fishery Management (EFM) and for Collection, Fishing and Holding (CFH). The training teams are on their way to Palawan and Mindanao to train fellow collectors on the MAC Standards and Certification, safe diving, fishing gear, screening, packing, species identification, water skills, documentation system and coordination of collection efforts (including cooperative financial management). MAC is providing the collector-trainees with nets and other collection materials as part of the training partnership.
MAC Develops Training Manual for Collectors
A manual to help train collectors to meet the MAC Standard for Collection, Fishing and Holding (CFH) has been completed and field-tested. The manual aims to develop both knowledge and skills. It is divided into eight modules that cover an introduction to MAC, dive safety, collecting gear and methods, post-harvest holding and packing techniques, and documentation. During field-testing in April in the Philippines, some modules were presented in colorful animated PowerPoint summaries in the Tagalog language.
A collection of simple black-and-white line drawings accompanies the text. The drawings facilitate the training of collectors with reading and writing difficulties. The drawings will also be made available as a large flipchart for use in coastal villages without electricity. When the manual is used in other supply countries where MAC operates, country-specific components can be added, such as images of locally caught organisms and information on local regulations and procedures.
The MAC collectors training manual is a living document. Following its initial use in 2004, the manual will be revised and updated. During this process, comments will be sought from interested parties.
Collectors in Training to Receive Netting
A critical part of proper training is having proper materials. For responsible marine aquarium collectors, this means having the right kind of nets. After a systematic search and several field tests involving the collectors, MAC has identified and is now providing suitable netting to marine ornamental collectors in Indonesia and the Philippines as part of their training. Provision of the right type of netting encourages the fishermen to use sustainable fishing techniques.
The most important issue considered was not to just donate netting, but rather to make the right netting available to the fishermen. For their part of the “partnership,” the collectors would be responsible for using and maintaining the nets. According to the fishermen, the "ideal" netting has specific material, texture, color and mesh size and is affordable to them. Much of the good netting available is simply too expensive.
The search to locate the netting was complicated by the fact that several manufacturers that previously sold suitable netting had closed down. Other manufacturers could not produce the fine-mesh netting requested because of time requirements, inadequate machinery or high production costs.
Indonesia Update: Dive Safety Training for Collectors
MAC Standards include requirements for safe diving practices. MAC Indonesia organized a series of health and safety dive training sessions for four collectors’ groups in north Bali in May and June with support from the AIR Diving Academy (a Bali-based scuba diving school). A total of 113 fish collectors, mostly free divers (i.e., with mask and fins only) as well as 15 hookah divers, attended the training.
The marine aquarium fish collectors in Indonesia who participated in the training were all very keen to learn about the risks of diving for ornamental fish collection. Many of them had experienced health problems when diving, but they had no idea why these problems occurred.
At the end of the training session, the fish collectors were tested on their ability to plan and undertake safe dives. As each fisherman often financially supports an extended family and friends, a dive-related accident or illness that stops him from working for a length of time can seriously impact a large number of people.
Pacific Islands Update: Collector Training Program Expands to the Pacific Region
After attending the Training of Trainers Workshop in the Philippines in late March-early April 2004, MAC Pacific Trainer Chris Beta and MAC Pacific Resource Management Officer Gregory Bennett began the first training session for Pacific Island collectors in Fiji in June. Six collectors from one company were trained in harvest and post-harvest handling practices that are compatible with the MAC Collection, Fishing, and Holding (CFH) Standard. From this training session, needed improvements in certain practices were identified for the company to follow up on. Training has been planned for new collectors at another company, which will include making and repairing collection equipment and species identification. Collector training is also being planned for the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Kiribati.
In Vanuatu, one exporter is being assisted by MAC to comply with the MAC Standards. MAC also shared information on the Marine Aquarium Trade Coral Reef Monitoring Protocol (MAQTRAC) and equivalent resource assessment methodologies with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) during a visit to Vanuatu in May 2004. Information on the MAQTRAC survey conducted in Vanuatu in February 2004 will assist the industry and the Fisheries Department with management of the aquarium industry as part of their interest in MAC Certification. For more on MAQTRAC, see www.reefcheck.org/management/MAT.asp.
MAC is assisting two Tongan exporters to understand and achieve compliance with the MAC Standards and will be working with stakeholders to develop collection area management plans (CAMPs) for Tonga collection sites later in the year. In addition, collaborative efforts are being made by all stakeholders to develop a National Aquarium Fishery Management and Development Plan for Tonga.
MAC continues to work with villagers in the Solomon Islands. Collector training is scheduled to begin in July 2004, and plans are underway to develop CAMPs for two collection areas.
North America Update: MAC Outreach to Retailers and Hobbyists
MAC Certified retailer Pat Donston of Absolutely Fish (2003 Pet Product News “Retailer of the Year”) joined MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus to present a seminar on MAC Certification at the Backer Spring Show in Atlantic City in April. The 35 participants heard Donston describe how MAC Certification enhanced the performance of his already high quality facility, with better animal health, a staff-training program and an improved bottom line. Donston will present the seminar again in October at the Backer Christmas Show in Chicago.
At the second annual International Marine Aquarium Conference (IMAC) in Chicago in May, MAC North America Coordinator Mark Schreffler staffed the MAC booth, where many subscribed to the MAC News, and several hobbyists and companies expressed their interest in MAC Certification. MAC Board Member John Brandt represented MAC at the Friday night roundtable discussion on “Aquaculture, Responsible Collecting and Captive Breeding: The Right Way to Go.” On Sunday afternoon, MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus gave a presentation titled “What MAC Certification Means for Hobbyists.”
In June, MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus visited four East Coast hobbyist clubs, in addition to visiting Joe Yaiullo, president of the Long Island Reef Association, with John Link, vice president of the association and director of Reef Central.. The trip included a presentation to the monthly meeting of the Boston Reef Society (BRS) followed by an enjoyable afternoon with many of the BRS members at a “tank moving” BBQ; a short introduction to MAC at the monthly meeting of the Brooklyn Aquarium Society (BAS); participation in a “tank tour” of the Chesapeake Marine Aquaria Society (CMAS) with CMAS President Mike Hossom; and a lively discussion and evening meal with the Washington DC Area Marine Aquarist Society (WAMAS) Board. The visits highlighted both the challenges and opportunities for MAC to work more closely with hobbyist groups, which is being met through improved and expanded outreach activities.
In late June, National Public Radio (NPR) “Radio Expeditions” aired a three-part series on exotic fish species collected for aquariums and restaurants. The program featured MAC Philippines Country Director Aquilino Alvarez and MAC training of collectors in the Philippines. The report can be downloaded at www.npr.org/programs/re/archivesdate/2004/jun/reefs.
A five-minute video program on MAC Certification narrated by Alexander Gould, the voice of Nemo of Finding Nemo, has been finalized, and a 60-second version is in the works. The program received enthusiastic responses from audiences at the Regional Aquatics Workshop in May during a MAC update by Board Member Doug Warmolts and at the International Coral Reef Symposium in Okinawa in June during a presentation by MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus. The video and other MAC informational materials have also been included in the US Coral Reef Task Force’s “Coral Reef Resource Roundup” CD. Retailers, educators, public aquariums and marine aquarium societies interested in a copy of the MAC video program can send a request to [email protected].
Former MAC Certified Retailer to Lead Industry and Hobby Efforts in North America
One of the first MAC Certified retailers has become part of the MAC team. Mark Schreffler, former owner of The Reef Shop (MAC Certified in 2002), will join MAC full-time in July 2004 to coordinate outreach and certification activities with wholesalers and retailers in the United States and Canada, as well as collectors and exporters in Hawaii and elsewhere in the region. Based at MAC’s main office in Honolulu, Mark will also work with MAC Communications Director Sylvia Spalding on raising hobbyist awareness.
Europe Update: MAC Materials Available in German, French, Spanish and Italian
MAC informational brochures for hobbyists and industry members are now available in German, French, Spanish and Italian. These translations are posted on the MAC website at www.aquariumcouncil.org/webmediainfo.asp?whatsnew=on. For printed copies of these documents, please contact Peter Scott at [email protected].
In May, MAC Executive Director Paul Holthus attended Interzoo, Europe’s major two-yearly pet trade show in Nuremberg, Germany. Ornamental Fish International (OFI) generously provided booth space for MAC to display its recently translated brochures for hobbyists and the industry. Paul contacted new and old MAC friends and interested parties in the marine ornamentals industry, held discussions with several MAC Board members and MAC Certified companies, and attended the International Pet Advisory Council (IPAC) meeting.
In late April, the German technical assistance cooperation agency (GTZ) hosted a one-day seminar on MAC Certification for stakeholders in Germany. The meeting brought together representatives of German government agencies concerned with the marine aquarium trade, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - Germany, importers, Lufthansa Cargo, OFI and MAC. The group agreed that the meeting was a good basis for beginning a multi-stakeholder network to raise awareness of MAC among the industry, hobbyists and other concerned parties.
MAC Staff Adjustments in Europe as Industry Engages in Certification
Due to his increasing workload as president of Ornamental Fish International since 2002, Svein A. Fosså will be leaving his part-time post as the MAC European Liaison Director. Svein’s standing in the marine aquarium hobby and industry has been critical to developing the credibility and network for MAC in Europe and globally. Svein included his support and efforts for MAC in books, conferences, presentations and articles while maintaining an already full program of writing, lectures and other commitments (e.g., consultant to the Norwegian Pet Trade Organization and secretary to the Scandinavian Pet Trade Union).
MAC Certification Systems Director Peter Scott will be taking up the vacancy left by Svein. Over the past few years, MAC’s priority in Europe has shifted from raising awareness to technical interaction with companies seeking to become MAC Certified. Peter, who has been based in Manila the past few years, has been spending an increasing amount of time in Europe to respond to this need. In January 2004, he re-established a base of operations for MAC in the United Kingdom and will be located there on a part-time basis.
"It has been challenging and rewarding to be so closely involved with MAC during the past four years,” Svein said. “I am tremendously pleased to have had the opportunity to be an active participant in the organization in its critical initial years. I will follow the future development of MAC with considerable interest and of course continue to be an active supporter. With Peter Scott taking over my role, I feel confident that we will see an even higher activity level from MAC's side in Europe and, hopefully soon, many new MAC Certified European businesses."
Mariculture and Aquaculture Management (MAM) Standard Under Review
Work on the MAC Mariculture and Aquaculture Management (MAM) Standard is now well underway, with the fourth draft of the standard provided to the MAM Standard Advisory Group (SAG) in June for review. With this draft, the vast majority of the topics to be addressed by the standard have been identified, following some excellent interaction and input from the MAM SAG during the review of the third draft. A complete draft version of the MAM Standard will submitted to the MAC Board for review and comment following revision based on the June MAM SAG input.
While the MAC Standard review process strives to achieve consensus, there will be areas where this may not be possible. For example, there are differences in opinion regarding genetically modified organisms. It is the role of the MAC Board and its Standards Committee to work with the MAC Secretariat to sort through the divergence of views on these issues and develop a standard consistent with the role and mission of MAC.
More than 50 individuals worldwide are members of the MAM SAG. Additional persons wishing to join this group should submit their name and email address to [email protected]
Upcoming Events
July 18-22: National Marine Educators Association 2004 Conference (St. Petersburg, Florida, USA) http://www.floridamarine.org/education/ ... sp?id=2088
July 21 and 24. MAC Informational Meetings for Industry. The Florida Aquarium (Tampa, Florida, USA) and Courtyard by Marriott, Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (Dania Beach, Florida, USA). For more information, call +1 808 550-8517, email [email protected] or download the announcement at http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/docs/lib ... rfinal.PDF.
Sept. 9-12: China International Recreation Fisheries and Aquaria 2004 conference (Guangzhou Jinhan Exhibition Center, Beijing, China) http://www.aquariachina.com
Sept. 10-12: Marine Aquarium Conference of North America XVI (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) http://www.macnaboston.com/
Oct. 8-10: Backer’s 37th Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference (Chicago, Illinois, USA) http://www.hhbacker.com
Dec. 5-10: Sixth International Aquarium Congress (Monterey, California, USA) www.iac2004.org
MAC in the News
“Coral Reefs in Balance: Exotic Fish Species Hunted for Aquarium and Restaurants; Part 3: Promoting Safer Fishing Methods.” Radio Expeditions. National Public Radio (NPR). June 28-30, 2004. www.npr.org/programs/re/archivesdate/2004/jun/reefs/
“Ask Umbra: The age of aquariums.” Grist Magazine. June 25, 2004. wwwworkingforchange.com/printitem.cfm?itemid=17186
“The MAC Certified Label Means Quality Marine Organisms from Sustainable Sources,” by Sylvia Spalding. PETS International Magazine. May 2004. Page 135.
“MAC Certified marine organisms now coming to Europe from the South Pacific,” by Sylvia Spalding. PETS International Magazine. April 2004. Page 59.
“Concerns surface as local divers spot non-native fish in Florida waters,” by David Fleshler. Sun-Sentinel. April 9, 2004. www.sun-sentinel.com/news/
“Freeing Nemo: Aquarium owners releasing non-native fish could endanger marine ecosystems,” by Sandra Hines. University of Washington. April 7, 2004. www.uwnews.org/
“Fair trade … fish!” by Amanda Farrell. The Villager. Winter/Spring 2004. Page 7.
“Improving the marine aquarium industry through MAC Certification,” by Sylvia Spalding. Business Unusual. Aquarama Magazine. Issue 1. November 2003. Pages 33-35.
