One of the issues that keeps coming back like the evil killer in the stereotypical slasher movie is this thing called "sustainability".
In the past, I have tried searching for MAC's definition of "sustainability", only to find it oft referred to, yet disappearing in chimera-like fashion.
Maybe this is intentional, like the Bush Administration's definition of terrorism: "We'll know it when we see it." I don't know.
A search of the MAC website brings up many pages were the word is used.
http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/subpage.asp?section=9
"Among these requirements are monitoring of reefs and stocks for compliance with sustainability standards;"
Interestingly, they use the word "Standards".
Referring back to the Standards, we find:
http://macweb.inets.com/docs/1/pdf/04%2 ... RD%201.pdf
Under definitions on Page 14: "(59) The term 'sustainable use' means the use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining the potential of the components to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations. (CBD)"
IOW, we find a definition of sustainable use, close enough to sustainability, but we find no standards dealing with sustainability. We do find one lofty use of the word at the very beginning of the Core Standards for EFM, Page 7:
" 0.1 Purpose
To verify that the collection area is managed according to the principles of ecosystem management in order to ensure ecosystem integrity and the sustainable use of the marine aquarium fishery."
This is it.
Based on this, I have decided to follow MAC's own advice: http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/subpage.asp?page=11
"Ask your supplier where his/her marine ornamentals come from, how they are caught and handled and how any claims of “sustainable,” “cyanide free” or “net caught” can be substantiated."
Based on the lack of viable standards, How can MAC make any claims about 'sustainability'?
Can MAC substantiate that any MAC-certifed fish are collected in a sustainable matter, and how?
Regards.
Mike Kirda
In the past, I have tried searching for MAC's definition of "sustainability", only to find it oft referred to, yet disappearing in chimera-like fashion.
Maybe this is intentional, like the Bush Administration's definition of terrorism: "We'll know it when we see it." I don't know.
A search of the MAC website brings up many pages were the word is used.
http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/subpage.asp?section=9
"Among these requirements are monitoring of reefs and stocks for compliance with sustainability standards;"
Interestingly, they use the word "Standards".
Referring back to the Standards, we find:
http://macweb.inets.com/docs/1/pdf/04%2 ... RD%201.pdf
Under definitions on Page 14: "(59) The term 'sustainable use' means the use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining the potential of the components to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations. (CBD)"
IOW, we find a definition of sustainable use, close enough to sustainability, but we find no standards dealing with sustainability. We do find one lofty use of the word at the very beginning of the Core Standards for EFM, Page 7:
" 0.1 Purpose
To verify that the collection area is managed according to the principles of ecosystem management in order to ensure ecosystem integrity and the sustainable use of the marine aquarium fishery."
This is it.
Based on this, I have decided to follow MAC's own advice: http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/subpage.asp?page=11
"Ask your supplier where his/her marine ornamentals come from, how they are caught and handled and how any claims of “sustainable,” “cyanide free” or “net caught” can be substantiated."
Based on the lack of viable standards, How can MAC make any claims about 'sustainability'?
Can MAC substantiate that any MAC-certifed fish are collected in a sustainable matter, and how?
Regards.
Mike Kirda
