Defining research priorities to detect live fish illegally collected using cyanide fishing in Indo-Pacific coral reefs. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Madeira, D.; Calado, R.
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 103(2019)
• Page Start: 659
• Page End: 664
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: ATCA -- Marine aquarium trade -- Live food fish trade -- Pharmacokinetics -- Thiocyanate; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.03.054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Cyanide fishing is a destructive technique that persists in Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Coral reef fish poisoned by cyanide are traded live in premium markets. While illegal, there is little legal enforcement against cyanide fishing. Non-invasive, non-destructive and reliable cyanide detection methods are needed. To develop effective testing platforms 5 key research topics must be addressed. Abstract: Indo-Pacific coral reefs face an unprecedented level of anthropogenic pressure. Cyanide fishing is a highly destructive method employed to capture live fish from Indo-Pacific coral reefs and supply the live fish food trade in Asia and the global marine aquarium trade. To allow the development and implementation of an effective and reliable testing platform to screen live reef fish for cyanide poisoning, without their sacrifice, and thus contribute to the ban of this practice from Indo-Pacific coral reefs, the following research topics must be urgently addressed: 1) selection of a suitable model species; 2) standardization of experimental methodologies; 3) exclude the possibility that the target compound(s) being monitored to detect live reef fish illegally collected using cyanide originate from other sources than cyanide poisoning; 4) clarification of the excretion physiology and cyanide pharmacokinetics in marine fish; and 5) evaluate interspecific differences in excretion physiology and cyanide pharmacokinetics in marine fish.