Tackling aquatic invasions: risks and opportunities for the aquarium fish industry

• DOI: 10.1007/s10530-008-9292-4
• Publication Date: 2008-07-17T16:33:56Z
• Authors: Andrew L. Chang; Judah D. Grossman; Teresa Sabol Spezio; Heidi W. Weiskel; Julia C. Blum; Jennifer W. Burt; Adrianna A. Muir; Jonah Piovia-Scott; Kari E. Veblen; Edwin D. Grosholz
• Keywords: Identification

The aquarium trade is an important and rapidly growing vector for introduced species in the United States. We examined this by surveying pet stores San Francisco Bay–Delta region to compile a list of fish commonly stocked. identified which these might be able survive Bay–Delta, investigated store representatives' knowledge attitudes about biological invasions. A restrictive analysis using conservative estimates temperature tolerances environmental conditions found that local includes 5 can temperate system such as Bay–Delta. Under more inclusive parameters, up 27 met criteria survival further explored results comparing potential invader incidence between different types stores. In analysis, three national retail chains stocked significantly potentially invasive than independent stores, but there was no difference analysis. higher percentage taxa were easily identifiable well-labeled chain Most representatives indicated willingness take action reduce threat trade-related introductions, although employees willing assign responsibility reducing industry employees. Management efforts should focus on (a) improving labeling identification (b) expanding often spotty data physiological tolerances, especially saltwater species, (c) educating customers risks posed release, (d) providing better options responsible disposal unwanted fish.