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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0345.022 2010-2012A Review of the Coral Reef Wildlife Trade in Hawaii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Hawaii is a major source of coral reef wildlife collected to supply the commercial aquarium pet trade. The collection and sale of Hawaii's coral reef wildlife is a relatively small segment of the state's economy but has significant impact on larger industries that rely on healthy coral reefs, most notably marine tourism. The volume of the trade is large, with approximately 4.5 million animals removed from Hawaii's reefs over a six -year period (2004 - 2009), most of whom were exported out -of- state. Current practices disrupt coral reef ecosystems, damage important habitat for reef wildlife, deplete wildlife populations, and injure and kill wildlife collected for the trade. By harming reefs, the trade threatens recreational, cultural, and spiritual values of Hawaii residents. State laws do not adequately protect reefs or reef wildlife from the trade. A prohibition on the collection of coral reef wildlife for the aquarium trade is necessary to end this ecologically destructive and inhumane practice and ensure the preservation of one of Hawaii's most treasured natural and cultural resources. Cash Value: Marine Tourism Far Surpasses the Aquarium Trade Healthy coral reefs and abundant coral reef wildlife are the main attractions to Hawaii tourism. The net profit generated by Hawaii coral reefs is estimated at $364 million annually, with marine tourism a primary component. At least 200,000 divers and 3 million snorkelers enjoy Hawaii's reefs each year. The snorkeling and dive industries alone generate approximately $800 million annually ($304 million net profit). More than 100 dive businesses operated in 2002 with a net profit of $50 -60 million per year. One study found that marine tourism benefits from larger fish populations. Moreover, reefs contribute to the entire tourism economy — including hotels, restaurants, airlines, and more. In contrast, the collection and sale of Hawaii reef wildlife for the aquarium trade generates only $1.2 million per year, which is only 0.4% of the value of the snorkel /dive industries ($1.2 vs. $304 million). Other Economic Sector Benefits from Healthy Reefs Exceed Aquarium Trade Value All commercial fisheries in Hawaii are linked to healthy reefs, as one -third of all fish live for some time on coral reefs. The unadjusted value of all commercial fisheries in 2000 was $59 million, adjusted to $24 million. Loss or degradation of Hawaii reefs would remove critical wildlife habitat that supports other commercial fisheries, resulting in less income for both inshore fisheries like akule (Bigeye Scad), and for some of Hawaii's offshore fisheries. The value of Hawaii reefs draws millions of dollars to the state for reef - related research. Reefs are known to increase value of adjacent commercial and residential properties. Estimated value of reef - related property in Hawaii was $40 million in 2001. Further, Hawaii's reefs provide food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Although less quantifiable, healthy reefs protect shorelines from wave action. A Review of the Coral Reef Wildlife Trade in Hawaii Comm. No. 3 µ S . 2.2- Page 1 Ref. To: Prs'aafto Cottwc.i 1 Ref. Date SEP 21 2011 In summary, the collection and sale of Hawaii's coral reef wildlife is a small part of Hawaii's economy, but by depleting and damaging the state's coral reefs, it threatens the financial well- being of many larger industries and the livelihoods of millions of people. Hawaii's Coral Reef Value to Residents Besides economic value, Hawaii reefs have profound social, cultural, recreational, and ecological values for Hawaii residents. Reef habitat and wildlife are part of Hawaii's cultural and natural heritage. The State Has No Effective Plan to Protect Coral Reef Wildlife from Trade The volume of wildlife collected from Hawaii's reefs for the commercial aquarium trade is large, and most is sold for use in aquariums in the mainland U.S., Asia, or Europe. From 2004 through 2009 an average of 750,000 reef animals were taken per year from Hawaii reefs according to state collection reports. Only a small portion of coral reef wildlife collected for the trade is sold to local retailers. For example, less than 2% of fish caught on the Big Island are sold to local retailers. Over 90% of the collected wildlife leaves the state. The state has no effective plan for protecting coral reef wildlife from this trade. The current collection reporting scheme does not provide data needed for proper resource management. Although collectors are required to submit monthly reports on number of each species taken, many do not comply and there is no penalty for non - compliance. In addition, catch information provided in reports is not verified. Although the state has been developing a mechanism for validating the number of animals collected, it has been stalled for quite some time owing to a lack of funding. The state estimates that the aquarium catch may be 2 - 5 times higher than reported. Similarly, while marine dealers are required to submit monthly reports on the species and quantity purchased, most do not submit reports and there is no penalty for non - filing. Collection for Trade Harms Coral Reef Ecosystems Collectors of Hawaii's coral reef wildlife focus on brightly colored fish that are highly desired by aquarium keepers, including rare fish that only occur in Hawaii. Collecting individual species in high numbers poses a significant threat to that species and to coral reef health. Herbivorous species, such as Yellow Tangs and Goldring Surgeonfishes, are the most heavily targeted by collectors. These herbivorous fish are essential to coral reef health because they protect corals from algal overgrowth and concomitant degradation of the reef. Other important functional groups include: planktivores (e.g. Hawaiian Dascyllus), corallivores (e.g. Fourspot Butterflyfish, Multiband Butterflyfish), fish predators (e.g. Hawkfishes, Hawaiian Lionfish) and cleaner fishes (e.g. Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse). The collection of large numbers of invertebrates including hermit crabs and shrimps that are grazers, scavengers, cleaners, or consumers of predators, such as Crown -of- Thorns sea stars, could potentially have serious ecosystem impacts including reduced resiliency to other threats. A Review of the Coral Reef Wildlife Trade in Hawaii Page 2 Collection for the Trade Harms Reef Structure Collection methods harm coral colonies and live rock, both crucial habitats for other reef species. Although state law prohibits damaging reef structure, such damage occurs in collection. Barrier nets can contact, entangle, and break corals. Some collectors break branching and other corals to reach target fish. Collection of attached reef invertebrates, like feather duster worms or those hiding, like crabs, shrimp, brittle stars, and sea urchins, often breaks apart the reef structure. Collection for the Trade Has Depleted Species Evidence shows that the trade has led to population declines, as well as family and species - specific declines. In West Hawaii, Yellow Tang populations on the collected reefs are 73% lower than reefs closed to collecting. Butterflyfish species have declined by 75% at two West Hawaii study sites; two species in particular, the endemic Bluelined Butterflyfish and the Teardrop Butterflyfish, are down by 95 %. The Hawaiian Turkeyfish and Bandit Angelfish, both endemic, were routinely sighted in West Hawaii in the 1970s but are now very rare. Other threatened species include the Thornback Cowfish, Zebra Moray, Dragon Moray, and Tinker's Butterflyfish. In addition, at least 20 endemic species are listed under the state's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS), which protects species having the greatest conservation need. In most cases the aquarium trade is identified as the primary threat to listed species. Current Practices Cause Stress, Injury, Pain, and Death in Coral Reef Wildlife Collected for the Trade It is well- documented that fish and many invertebrates feel pain. At each step between reef and consumer, injury, stress, pain, and death occur as a result of industry practices. For example, when catching fish from deeper waters, collectors insert a hypodermic needle along the fish's lateral line and into its swim bladder to vent the expanded gas. In addition, collectors cut the sharp fins and spines of some surgeonfish to prevent tearing the shipping bag. Other industry practices include starvation for 2 to 10 days prior to transport (to reduce waste contamination), to minimize water volume and freight cost. High Mortality Leads to More Collection, Exacerbating the Harm Caused by the Trade Cumulative fish mortality from capture to consumer is high. Mortality can range from a few percent to over 80 %. Death along the supply chain is attributed to poor capture and handling technique, inadequate husbandry, facilities, and transportation, and trading in species unsuitable for captivity. Fewer than 3% of coral reef fish collected in Hawaii are estimated to survive past a year in captivity. High mortality leads to continuing demand for more wildlife, resulting in unsustainable collection. Overfishing increases species depletion as it decreases resilience and capacity for renewal. Combined with other ecosystem disrupters, compromised populations may reduce coral reefs' ability to recover from hurricanes, coral bleaching, and other disturbance. A Review of the Coral Reef Wildlife Trade in Hawaii Page 3 Current State Laws and Regulations Do Not Adequately Protect Coral Reefs or Wildlife Collected for the Trade Threats posed by the aquarium fishery prompted regulation at the state and county levels. The state has stringent laws and administrative rules that prohibit several destructive collection methods including the use of chemicals, poisons, intoxicants, and throw nets. The state also established several "no- take" areas and conservation districts, in which fishing and other activities are limited. While Hawaii law prohibits taking stony corals and live rock, it does not prohibit collection of any other species collected for the commercial aquarium trade. There are no size or collection limits for most popular aquarium species. The state does not limit the number of collection permits issued. Hawaii has not protected coral reef wildlife from trade - related harm. The state tolerates the inhumane practices associated with the trade despite state laws and regulations that could be used to protect coral reef wildlife from the pain and death associated with the trade. In light of the state's failure to adequately protect Hawaii's reefs and collected wildlife, Maui County recently enacted ordinances addressing harm left unregulated by the state by prohibiting the practices of finning, fizzing, and starvation and requiring collectors to obtain county permits and submit detailed reports that include, inter alia, the number and species of individual animals that died during collection, holding, or transport. It is, however, the only county that regulates the trade. The marine aquarium trade is a tiny industry with considerable impact on the financial well- being of larger segments of Hawaii's economy that depend on healthy coral reefs. The trade has depleted populations of numerous species, damaged reef habitat, and caused millions of coral reef fish and invertebrates to endure stress, pain, and slow deaths. State laws do not adequately address the ongoing harm and threat posed by the trade. A prohibition on the take of coral reef wildlife for commercial aquarium purposes is the most appropriate course of action for the state to ensure compliance with its constitutional and statutory duties to protect and conserve the natural resources of the state for the benefit of present and future generations. Prepared for The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International by Rene Umberger, July 2011 A Review of the Coral Reef Wildlife Trade in Hawaii Page 4