New research shows 90% of marine aquarium fish sold by major US retailers are caught from the wild.
The study, led by Dr Bing Lin of the University of Sydney, highlights murky supply chains “from reef to retail.”
Globally, around 55 million marine animals are sold each year in a US$2.15bn industry, mostly sourced from the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Among the 734 species studied, only 3% were fully farmed, while 45 threatened or declining species were also found for sale.
“Many species slip through global trade rules and still end up on the market,” Lin said.
Experts warn that poorly managed wild capture can harm ecosystems and deplete fish populations.
They call for stronger oversight, eco-certification, and consumer awareness to ensure sustainable, traceable sourcing.
