Marine Aquarium Council: MAC Certification for Responsible Reef Fisheries and Trade |
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Lead Organisation: |
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Marine Aquarium Council |
Where: |
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Global |
Time period: |
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Since 1998 |
Web link: |
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http://www.aquariumcouncil.org |
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Partners: |
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Over 70 companies from 13 countries | Rural fishers | Conservation organisations | Government Agencies | Public aquariums | |
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Aims/Objectives: |
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| Creating an international system of environmental standards, certification and labeling for the global trade in marine ornamentals (i.e. fish, corals, other aquarium invertebrates). | | Implementing certification that covers Ecosystem/Fishery Management; Fishing Practices; Husbandry and Transport; Aquaculture and Mariculture. | | Ensuring healthy reefs support a sustainable fishery and other community uses. | | Empowering fishers to earn a good return and improving occupational health conditions. | | Working with the industry, consumers and other stakeholders to develop demand for MAC Certified marine aquarium organisms. | |
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Measurable results and specific
targets: |
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| MAC Certification is delivering certified collection areas for which the conservation and sustainable use results are measured in the hectares of reef areas under management and set aside as reef reserves. | | MAC Certification is delivering certified fishers and industry operations that contribute to sustainable development and poverty alleviation, measured by the number of certified marine aquarium fishers (i.e. not using destructive fishing practices); the number of certified exporters, importers, and retailers; and the improved survivability/reduced mortality of MAC Certified marine aquarium organisms. | | Over 70 companies from 13 countries have signed on to be certified as soon as possible as of early 2002. | | The major trade associations endorse MAC, e.g. in US, UK, Europe, Philippines and Indonesia, and the industry provides training and supplies to ensure fishers use non-destructive methods. | | In 2002, there will be MAC Certified marine organisms from at least two source countries (Philippines and Fiji) delivered to the retail market at least the U.S. and one European market countries. | |
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Implementation mechanisms
and further application: |
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| More reef village collection areas and marine aquarium industry operators are seeking certification. | | MAC Business Plan outlines a 5 year track to self financing for the organization and certification. | | The marine aquarium industry confirmed its willingness and ability to pay for MAC Certification services. | | Reef and aquarium fishery assessment/monitoring methods are being developed and implemented by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. | | UNEP-WCMC has developed Global Marine Aquarium Database (GMAD) in partnership with MAC to create an international database on the status and trends in the trade in reef species. | |
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CONTACT: |
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Name: |
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Paul Holthus |
Email: |
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info@aquariumcouncil.org |
Organisation: |
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Marine Aquarium Council |
Address: |
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923 Nuuanu Avenue |
City: |
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Honolulu |
State/Region: |
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Hawaii |
Postal Code: |
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96817 |
Country: |
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United States of America |
Telephone: |
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+1 808 550-8217 |
Fax: |
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+1 808 550-8317 |
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