Abstract: The unique endemic Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) – BCF is still among the top 10 imported species of marine aquarium fish in the US. The fish has been classified as an endangered species due to concerns over its collection for the aquarium trade. The fish was only re-discovered in 1995, and only limited studies have been undertaken in the field. In an effort to complement these studies, surveys on the the distribution, population density, and current levels of trade of the BCF were conducted from 2007 to 2012. Using the belt transect method, three classes of BCF (recruits, juveniles, and adults) encountered along each transect were counted, as well as BCF habitats including soft corals, hard corals, sea grasses, sea urchins and anemones. Some areas were surveyed more than once, and showed a decline in population densities. The causes of these declines were most likely due to overexploitation, habitat destruction and extensive removal of microhabitats and species for human consumption. A number of measures have been taken to prevent BC populations from further declines, to ensure that they are being collected in a more sustainable manner. However, control and enforcement of these measures are still lacking in the field. An initiative to include the BCF in the protected species list under Indonesian law has not yet been realized. There is a call for the aquarium industry to actively support the work in Indonesia by promoting and supporting the purchase of BCF from sustainable collection areas and methods only.
Keywords: fishery, aquarium, sustainability.
Authors: Yunaldi Yahya, Andri Mustain, Nengah Artiawan, Gayatri Reksodihardjo-Lilley, and Michael F. Tlusty
