In 2009, Cairns Marine became the first Australian supplier to achieve Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) certification. We also became the first public aquarium supplier anywhere in the world to achieve certification under this widely respected third party scheme.
MAC was created in 1998 to provide voluntary standards and an eco-labelling system for the marine aquarium trade. The MAC program has helped to achieve direct and indirect social, conservation, and economic benefits in source countries while increasing the number of certified organisms channelled to hobbyists worldwide. The original concept was based on the idea that consumers should be able to purchase an eco-labelled product that demonstrates the industry’s commitment to supporting ecosystem conservation and biological diversity.
MAC has made admirable in-roads to addressing cyanide assisted fisheries in the Indo-Pacific region; and in bringing this issue to the attention of the market and the community internationally.
Cairns Marine’s certification represents a first for suppliers in the developed world and stands in recognition of Cairns Marine’s leadership in the supply of marine life for display in aquaria. The MAC Standards comprehensively encompass all aspects of supply, including fishery management arrangements and operational aspects ranging from collection through holding, husbandry and distribution.
All MAC Standards that Cairns Marine is certified against were prepared through lengthy, inclusive, and participative development processes involving industry, consumer, economic, environmental, and social interest groups. During their preparation, stakeholders from around the world and from all parts of the supply and demand chains were consulted.
- The Ecosystem and Fishery Management Standard addresses in-situ habitat, stock and species management and conservation by verifying that the fishery and its marine aquarium organisms are managed according to the principles of ecosystem health, biological diversity, and sustainable use.
- The Collection, Fishing and Holding Standard addresses harvesting of fish, coral, live rock and other coral reef organisms, handling prior to export, holding, plus packaging and transport to ensure ecosystem health, biological diversity, sustainable use, and proper animal husbandry.
- The Handling, Husbandry and Transport Standard addresses the handling of marine aquarium organisms during export, import, and wholesale operations to ensure optimal health and traceability through the chain of custody.
Download:
EFM Standard
CFH Standard
HHT Standard
Learn more about MAC at www.aquariumcouncil.org