Nathalie GAMAIN has developed a unique experience with public Aquariums and Museums worldwide. She has particularly collaborated with Institutions in Europe
and North America where she has handled Development activities through communications, marketing and fundraising programs.
MAC is an international, multi-stakeholder (e.g. conservation organizations, the aquarium industry, public aquariums, hobbyist groups and government agencies), not-for-profit, non-governmental organization which ensures that the marine aquarium trade is responsible and sustainable - see
www.aquariumcouncil.org .
The organization mission is “to conserve coral reefs and other marine ecosystems by creating standards and certification for those engaged in the collection and care of ornamental marine life from reef to aquarium.”
A sustainable and responsible marine ornamental trade,
from Reef to Retail
Nathalie Gamain
Marine Aquarium Council – Communications Director
Poor fishing practices, destructive collection practices, pressure on stocks and reefs, represent general reasons among others, bringing at risk both the ornamental trade and the coral reef ecosystem.
Concerned about the future of this trade, various stakeholders (conservation organizations, the aquarium industry, public aquariums, hobbyist groups and government agencies) created the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) to ensure a more responsible and sustainable marine aquarium trade.
The presentation will give an insight into the marine ornamental trade situation from ‘Reef to Retail’; and focus on the Certification system the Marine Aquarium Council has developed. This set of international Standards and best practices has been adopted by the entire chain of custody from ‘Reef to Retail’ (collectors, exporters, importers and retailers) to guarantee a responsible and sustainable trade.
