The European marine aquarium trade has become an extremely valuable industry over the last decade, however it still relies heavily on the collection of wild specimens, mainly from coral reefs. This dependence on a wild supply, along with the use of destructive fishing techniques (e.g. cyanide fishing), has been highly criticized by conservationists; the most common issue being its sustainability. The United States and the European Union (EU) are the biggest importers of marine ornamentals, and the growing public awareness in importing countries of the deleterious effects this industry has on coral reefs has prompt policy makers, researchers and traders to advocate more sustainable approaches. One of which is the culture of marine ornamentals. Cultured specimens are a clear alternative to those collected from the wild, and their growing availability represent an important step towards sustainability.
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