MAC News 2nd Quarter 2007
By Elizabeth M. Lukan to Marine Aquarium Council on Monday, March 10th, 2008.Director’s Note:
Dear sustainable marine aquarium trade friends and colleagues,
Since June 1998, when I took on the challenge of setting up the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC), many have joined in the implementation of the MAC mission in support of the reefs, fisheries, coastal communities and responsible businesses that will benefit from a sustainable marine ornamentals trade.
Our collective efforts are progressing well, with increasing uptake of the MAC international Standards and Certification scheme by the marine ornamentals collectors, communities and companies around the world. The growth and development of MAC over the past nine (9) years and the success in implementing our mission reflect the dedication and commitment that we have all brought to the complex task of transforming the marine aquarium fishery and trade.
Please accept my appreciation for your support and involvement in this. Without you, the achievements of MAC would not have been possible. Special thanks are owed to the hard working professionals of the MAC team, who have dedicated themselves to the difficult work we have taken on, and to the board members who have provided guidance and direction over the years. The establishment and growth of MAC has been made possible by many donors, and they deserve our gratitude for their support to our challenging and complex mission.
Most of all, I would like to thank the communities, collectors and companies committed to ensuring that the marine aquarium trade and fishery are both responsible and sustainable - and the aquarists who support and encourage them. These are the individuals and enterprises providing the vision and leadership for the future.
Please accept my best wishes for the continued success of MAC in these important efforts that require all of us to work together towards the common goal of a responsible, sustainable marine ornamentals trade.
Paul Holthus, MAC Executive Director and President (June 1998-June 2007)
Philippines Update:
Participation of the US Ambassador to the Philippines in the MAC Certification Graduation Ceremony and Sites Visits
In celebration of World Environment Day, the US Ambassador to the Philippines, Hon. Kristie A. Keeney, visited several conservation related projects being supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in northern Palawan, including MAC project called “Transforming the Marine Aquarium Trade” (TMAT). Ambassador Kenney’s exposure to TMAT started with the graduation ceremonies of sixty-six (66) newly MAC Certified collectors and traders from three collection areas:
- Tara and Marcilla in the Municipality of Coron, and
- New Busuanga in the Municipality of Busuanga.
All three groups received from the US Ambassador their MAC Certificates for their communities and sites’ respective compliance with the MAC Ecosystem and Fishery Management (EFM) and the Collection, Fishing and Holding (CFH) international Standards. Then, the Ambassador went to the Siete Picados’ Marine Protected Sanctuary for a demonstration of the net collection methods used by MAC Certified collectors. MAC provides secured permission to demonstrate net collection in the Marine Protected Areas from the concerned authorities- as collection is not allowed in MPAs. Her journey ended with the observation of the shipment preparation of MAC Certified fish from the three collection areas to the MAC Certified exporter, Aquarium Habitat. She was accompanied by Mr. Daniel Moore, Chief of the USAID Office for Energy and Environment.
Philippines Certified Industry Group (CIG) Meeting
With Mr. Duncan Leadbitter as a guest, the Asia Pacific Director of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the first 2007 CIG meeting was held on March 26 in Manila. With an audience of fourteen (14) participants, Mr. Leadbitter shared his experiences on his role at MSC in developing organizational policies on fisheries issues and its organization’s tools used to reach its regional stakeholders.
Certification Update:
MAC Holds its Second Certification Review Workshop
Since the second half of 2006, MAC has been conducting a systematic review and revision of its Certification System. The review aims to improve Certification System’s efficiency, practicality and acceptance by key stakeholders (in particular the fishers and their communities) - and thereby expand the uptake of the certification and its conservation benefits. The MAC Certification System consists of the MAC international Standards, the standard-setting and the certification methodologies, the accreditation process, and the supporting guidance and operational documents for these functions. A thorough and effective review and revision of the MAC Certification System is essential to the long-term credibility and effectiveness of MAC, and for MAC compliance with the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labeling (ISEAL) Alliance Code of Good Practices. In mid-May 2007, the senior MAC team along with external certification system experts participated in a MAC Certification System workshop. The objectives of this workshop were to:
- Consolidate the lessons MAC had learned over the past eight (8) years in the development and implementation of the MAC Certification;
- Develop a road map towards a full system revision; and
- Prioritize activities according to the needs and availability of resources.
Based on the results of the workshop, MAC will be able to more effectively implement the certification and achieve its mission and the conservation benefits of transforming the marine aquarium trade to sustainability.
Updated Form for the MAC Statement of Commitment and Support (SOC)
During the recent MAC Certification System Review workshop, MAC revised several procedures and documents. Among them is MAC Statement of Commitment and Support (SOC) form, which has been updated.
MAC realized that some of the SOC signers and their respective contact information were out of date. Also it was decided to start enforcing the validity of this form and regulating its renewal with a new procedure. The new form states clearly the validity of one year from the date of signature and the opportunity to renew the form for one more year when the signer has not managed to achieve certification within the first year. Based on experience, the period of two (2) years should provide every SOC signer a reasonable time frame to either achieve the MAC Certification or at least to start the certification process.
To remind all SOC signers of the renewal of their statement, MAC will send out an email to all current SOC signers explaining the procedure along with the updated form. Additionally, the requirements listed in the SOC were refined in order to include the most important actions required to demonstrate support to MAC and its Certification scheme, along to illustrate the entity’s commitment to a sustainable marine aquarium trade.
The main functions of the SOC shall be to state publicly a signer’s interest and support toward MAC programs, and officially inform MAC that the signer is interested in becoming MAC Certified. Then the respective contact information is inserted in the page dedicated to SOC signers on the MAC web site at the following link: http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/soclist.asp. In parallel, a MAC representative contacts the SOC signer to guide them through the certification process.
MAC Certification Preparation Kit Available in French
With the launch last January of the MAC Certification Preparation Kit for importers and retailers, MAC is now pleased to announce that this kit is available in French. Other European translations are also under way with Italian and Portuguese versions being the next in line.
This kit will assist interested companies (which have signed the MAC Statement of Commitment and Support) in getting ready for the certification assessment by a third party MAC Accredited certifier. The facilitated certification process resulting from the use of this Kit should lead to an increasing number of importers and retailers achieving MAC Certification - making the way for an increase in the volume of MAC Certified organisms available in Europe and North America.
To receive a copy of the kit please contact MAC at info@aquariumcouncil.org, or visit MAC web site at: http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/Aquariumindustry.html.
Outreach Update:
New MAC Web Site Available
At the end of May, MAC launched its new web site, which has already received very supportive feedback. For instance, Miriam Winkels-Ryan from the MAC Certified importer A.V. Waterweelde expressed her enthusiasm “Your new web site looks wonderful… such an impressive presentation”. With the aim to provide current data and information in the most practical way, the new structure should enable MAC main stakeholders to find information related to their activities, with the opportunity to download and/or read most of MAC outreach and certification documents, as well as completing online forms (i.e. MAC Statement of Commitment and Support, MAC Hobbyist Clubs Declaration of Support, MAC Public Aquarium Declaration of Support, Standard Review and Comments Form).
From the homepage’s top banner, the visitor can easily access general information about MAC, the marine ornamental trade, its Certification scheme and international standards, along with general information such as the different kits available to its stakeholders. The site map is also available along with contact information about the organization main offices. The left side menu provides the opportunity for MAC international stakeholders (aquarium keepers, aquarium industry, public aquariums, conservation organizations, governments, education institutions, certifiers, media, donors and supporters and interested individuals to collaborate with MAC using the Human Resources section). Now anyone can easily locate his needed information and tools. For instance entities looking to become MAC Certified can access from the “Aquarium Industry” section their respective activity (such as exporters, importers and retailers). There they can download the Certification Preparation Kit; or for Public Aquariums the tools they could use to develop specific exhibit and seminar about the marine ornamental trade and the MAC Certification scheme. A specific highlight has been given to the MAC Certified sites and communities. From the MAC Certified entities map, visitors can access to a description of the communities’ lifestyle and marine ornamental collection practices, along with a list of the species collected in their respective area. The bottom of the homepage will facilitate the industry search for MAC Certified entities and accredited certifiers, with direct link to those lists. With a focus on sharing the latest news in an optimized way, visitors can also access the MAC News from the homepage, as well as subscribing to it. Additionally, the homepage continues to feature the latest events and news, with this month featuring the recent visit of the US Ambassador to the Philippines, Hon. Kristie A. Keeney, to MAC Certified sites and communities in the Philippines.
MAC plans to continue updating the web site continuously in order to share current information with its international stakeholders, and facilitate its outreach programs. Another step will also include the translation of the web site content into the main languages: French, German, Italian, Spanish and Tagalog. Volunteers’ translators are always welcome!
The First Hobbyist Clubs to Sign the Declaration of Support
With the launch of the MAC Hobbyist Club Declaration of Support in English and French this last quarter, several clubs have publicly stated their support toward MAC. Two clubs in France - the Club Languedocien d’Aquariophilie Marine (CLAM) and the Club d’Aquariophilie France - have both developed a continuous collaboration and support toward MAC with seminars and hobbyists events’ organizations. Another club in Australia, My Aquarium also recently signed this Declaration.
MAC encourages other supportive clubs to sign the online form available at the following page: http://www.aquariumcouncil.org/hdeclarationsupport.html. At its reception, MAC will automatically add a link from its web site to the club one, and assist the club in sensitizing its members and stakeholders to a sustainable and responsible marine ornamental trade.
MAC Certified Industry Operators Promoting MAC Certification
MAC Certified industry operators have strengthened their role to promote the MAC Certification scheme among their customers and suppliers. For instance, MAC Certified importer Quality Marine (Los Angeles, USA) has recently included in its Spring 2007 newsletter - the QM Current - an article announcing to its retailers the launch of the MAC Handling, Husbandry and Transport (HHT) Certification Preparation Kit. Other approaches taken include the insertion of the MAC Certified label on communications tools, such as Tropical Marine Centre (UK) with its booth; or other entities with MAC outreach materials in outgoing shipments, stock lists or other means of communications. By encouraging more retailers to seek certification, importers can really support the industry by making MAC Certified organisms available to a larger number of hobbyists. For more information on how your MAC Certified facility can promote certification, please contact MAC at info@aquariumcouncil.org.
Indonesia Update:
Field Survey in the Mentawai Islands District
The Mentawai islands district is located approximately one hundred thirty (130) km from the west coast of Sumatra Island. The four largest islands are the Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai Islands. Transportation to the main islands of Mentawai is served by ferries from Padang, the capital city of west Sumatra. The journey usually takes twelve (12) hours if the sea is calm. MAC, with its local partners, conducted site scoping in this area from March 12-24 as the Mentawai islands are known as important collection areas, in particular for the Powder Blue tang (Acanthurus leucosternon) and the Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus). During the survey, it was recorded that thirty-six (36) species are being collected, mostly by the collectors roving from the west coast of Sumatra.
Development of a Management Plan for the Padang Collection Areas (West Sumatra)
MAC started working in the Padang area early this year. The first community workshop was held in May, and was attended by representatives of the Padang collectors, local suppliers, community leaders, and the local government of Padang. During the workshop, the concept of sustainable marine ornamental fisheries management was discussed. As a follow-up to the workshop, the participants were interested in the development of a management plan for marine ornamental fisheries in the Padang area. The work plan was developed together with local collectors, local suppliers and local government, starting with capacity-building for both the MAC Collection, Fishing and Handling (CFH) and the Ecosystem and Fishery Management (EFM)) international Standards. In mid-May to mid-June, over thirty (30) collectors were trained in collecting and post-harvest techniques, which included screening, packing and holding the fish in the temporary holding facilities, before shipping them to the exporters’ facilities in Jakarta or Bali. Besides technical training, collector groups and local traders also received business training from MAC local partner, the Conservation and Community Investment Forum (CCIF).
Pulau Seribu Management Plan to Cover Wider Marine Resources
Training for collecting techniques and post-harvest continues in Pulau Seribu, as over twenty (20) collectors were trained there early this year. The Pulau Seribu government will also give financial support to the local suppliers of Pulau Seribu, by helping them to upgrade their holding facilities. The implementation of the marine ornamental fish management plan for Pulau Seribu District has now been replicated by the local government to cover other marine resources, including fishery management for the live reef fish food trade. One of the management tools being replicated includes harvest monitoring using logbooks. The management plan, which was originally developed only for marine ornamental fish, is now being updated and revised to become the management plan for other marine resources. MAC local non-governmental organization partner, the TERANGI Foundation, has requested MAC to assist them in facilitating the process of developing the management plan for marine resources in the DKI Jakarta Province.
MAC International Representatives Visit MAC Certified Sites, Communities and Exporters in Bali
From May 14-23, MAC representatives from Europe, North America and the Philippines toured the operations and facilities of some of the MAC Certified collection areas, collector associations and exporters in Bali. Those visits and meetings provided a great opportunity for both parties (MAC and Certified communities and exporters) to discuss the implementation of the MAC Certification scheme. This allowed MAC representatives to understand better the activities of each site and structure visited.
Pacific Update:
Fiji Stakeholders Meeting
On May 7, MAC attended the regular Aquarium Trade Stakeholder Meeting organized by the Fiji Fisheries Department to discuss current issues, including the live rock situation and a local non-governmental organization’s new coral culturing project. The live rock situation encouraged suggestions to be given about the necessity to gradually phase out the collection of wild harvested live rock in favor of cultured rock. Indeed, cultured rock has lately gained better market acceptance, even if this activity still represents additional investment and costs for exporters compared to wild collection. In addition, there were some concerns about the tagging issue of coral cultured by this local NGO as only F2 generation is CITES exempt. These concerns will be transmitted to the Fiji CITES Scientific Council for further consideration.
Creating Rural Livelihoods from Sustainable Culture of Ornamentals in the Solomon Islands
After two years of implementation of this project, a review meeting will be held in July. All partners should provide an update about the activities’ past years, and the forecasted ones for this coming year. MAC will continue to assist local communities in capacity building with training in best practices and the development of a Mariculture Area Management Plan to achieve MAC Certification. This meeting is important for the island due to the post-tsunami situation in Gizo. This crisis encouraged the World Fish Center to conduct assessments on all project sites to determine the impact of the tsunami on the coral reef ecosystem.
Europe Update:
MAC Invited to the First International Symposium of Coral Husbandry for Public Aquaria
As part of a series of specific symposiums for the public aquariums community, the Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem (the Netherlands) hosted from April 16-21 the first international Symposium of Coral Husbandry in Public Aquaria. With more than one hundred sixty (160) participants, this first symposium gathered all worldwide institutions having an interest in coral issues: propagation, husbandry, coral reef restoration and conservation. MAC was invited to present the “Role of Public Aquaria to Enhance a Sustainable Coral Trade” within the session dedicated to coral conservation. Through her presentation, MAC Communications Director, Nathalie Gamain, highlighted public aquaria’s role as a stakeholder to ensure that the marine ornamental trade is sustainable and responsible. In the past years, MAC has indeed strengthened its collaboration with aquaria through specific orientations. With the growth of aquaculture and mariculture activities among aquaria this past decade, the given presentation also provided additional information about the latest MAC international Standard on the Mariculture and Aquaculture Management (MAM) as well an insight of the actions taken by aquaria worldwide to enhance a sustainable coral trade, from general support to conservation, education and sensitization programs. This international symposium also provided the opportunity for the European Union Aquarium Curators (EUAC) MAC working group to organize a meeting. It focused on the 2007 objectives taken by the working group on both conservation and education issues.
North America Update:
MAC Exhibits at the International Marine Aquarium Conference (IMAC)
MAC continued its annual participation at the IMAC 2007-Chicago, in Rosemont, Illinois. During June 1-3, MAC North America Director, John Brandt, provided information at the MAC booth about the MAC Certification scheme and MAC progress in general, along with handing out promotional materials to interested hobbyists and industry operators.
World Ocean Day Celebration at the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
From June 8 to 10, in honor of World Ocean Day (June 8), the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada sensitized its visitors about the marine ornamental trade and MAC programs to ensure a sustainable management of coral reefs through best practices and a responsible trade. At this occasion, MAC brochures and other outreach materials were distributed.
Liz’s Notes: Yes, this is a bit old, but it still needed to be published so here it is. Sadly, it’s the last one I’ve gotten. I’ve confirmed with the MAC site and it’s the last one on there as well. I don’t know if there will be anymore. If/when I get more, I’ll publish them. Editing was limited to spelling and grammar corrections and formatting. Remember to visit the MAC web site at www.aquariumcouncil.org for more information.