For now, Hawaii has banned the collection of fish for the aquarium trade. The state believes a ban is the best course of action while they conduct further research on the health of Hawaii’s reefs. There is currently a debate about how much damage the aquarium trade inflicts on Hawaiin reefs. Some people are claiming that the evidence is inconclusive and the current data concerning the aquarium trade’s impact on the reefs may not be accurate.
In any case, it is clear that further studies must be conducted concerning the aquarium trade’s impact on the environment. It will be interesting to see if Hawaii begins to encourage aquaculture. Sustainable aquaculture may prove the best alternative for preserving the environment and providing livelihoods.