The aims of SAIA include:                 

• Conservation of the natrual resources of the marine aquarium trade by using best sustainable practices in the handling, husbandry and transport of aquarium organisms.

• Cooperation with industry and organisations in supply countries to support sustainable collection and post-harvest handling, fair trade and conservation.

• Representation of the European marine aquarium industry, at both EU and national governmental levels, on matters concerning legislation affecting the trade.

In our times the natural resources of the marine aquarium trade suffer from many threats. Most of the issues - like global warming and marine pollution - are huge and not easy to solve. Other threats, although minor, are seen to be fight more easily and as such attract notice by the public opinion, conservationists and politicians. The marine aquarium fishery is such issue.

It is true that the marine aquarium fishery when using destructive methods like cyanide fishing has a negative effect on reef health and stocks. Also the mortalities along the chain of custody due to inappropriate handling, husbandry and transport cause pressure on the reef and its organisms.

SAIA wants to fight such practices, but also point out the conservational benefits this industry can produce when working sustainable and ethical. Through the marine aquarium industry we had progress in research, knowledge of marine life, publicity of reef conservation and we were wakening the love and interest of many people in our oceans. We can also be an active part in animal protection.

We believe that as experts in our sector we can contribute to the development of meaningful and reasonable regulations and legislation. As the EU will at one point in time, not so far away, make efforts to develop a unified regulation for this trade, we should become a part of such efforts and as such bring in our expertise. This is not to prevent any regulations, but to help create meaningful ones that result in the protection of species and natural resources. We all can agree e.g. on species that are not suitable for the aquarium or the trade and thus shouldn’t be ordered or traded at all.

However, without the demand from and support of the end consumers, the aquarium hobbyists, the industry will not reach sustainability. Thus SAIA will raise awareness among the consumers for the concerns and needs of the marine aquarium trade. We therefore invite all hobbyists to participate in and support our efforts.