The global aquarium trade is a multi-billion dollar industry facing significant challenges like unregulated practices and environmental damage. As a company built on trust, THIENDUC AQUARIUM believes that a collaborative approach is essential for a vibrant and resilient future for the Sustainable Aquarium Trade.

The Challenges Facing the Aquarium Trade

The freshwater and marine aquarium trade, despite its beauty, is fraught with significant hurdles. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward building a better future.

Environmental Impact

The greatest threat comes from unsustainable collection methods. In the past, and regrettably still in some regions today, practices like over-collection have led to the depletion of wild populations. For every colourful fish that finds a home in an aquarium, countless others are lost due to destructive techniques. For example, methods such as cyanide fishing, which is often used to stun marine fish, cause catastrophic damage to coral reefs, a critical habitat for thousands of species. 

This shortsighted approach not only harms the environment but also undermines the very resource the industry depends on. As a leader in the industry, THIENDUC AQUARIUM recognises this. Our strength lies in wild fish, but our practices are rooted in responsible sourcing. Our wild fish, caught from rivers and streams in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, China, and Thailand, are sourced through an extensive, ethical network that prioritises ecological balance.

Ethical Concerns

The journey from a wild stream or a marine farm to an enthusiast's home is a complex one, and unfortunately, it can be marked by high mortality rates. This can happen during capture, transport, and the acclimation process. These losses are not just a business inefficiency; they are an ethical issue. An industry built on a passion for life should not be associated with suffering. We believe that caring for every animal is our primary duty. THIENDUC AQUARIUM works exclusively with the best farms and has a system in place to ensure that marine fish are caught, tamed, and supplied in a way that minimises stress and maximises welfare.

Economic Instability

An industry that relies solely on wild-caught, unregulated stock is inherently unstable. Fluctuating prices, inconsistent supply, and the risk of ecological collapse make it a risky business model. A true Sustainable Aquarium Trade must be resilient. It needs to find a balance between wild-caught and aquaculture-based systems. This is where innovation and long-term vision come into play, and it is a pillar of our work.

The Role of Key Stakeholders in a Sustainable Partnership

Building a truly Sustainable Aquarium Trade requires more than just good intentions from a few companies. It demands a collective effort from every part of the value chain.

The Hobbyist and Consumer

You, the enthusiast, are at the very heart of this transformation. Your choices have the power to shape the entire industry. By educating yourself on the origin of the animals you buy, you become an informed consumer. Choosing fish from sources with certified ethical practices or from reputable captive breeding programs sends a clear signal to the market.

When you choose to support ethical businesses like THIENDUC AQUARIUM, you become a partner in our mission. We believe that by providing clear information and ensuring the highest quality, we can build a community of conscious consumers who are just as passionate about the health of our planet as they are about their aquariums.

Breeders and Farmers

Captive breeding is the cornerstone of a Sustainable Aquarium Trade. It reduces the pressure on wild populations, ensures a consistent and predictable supply, and can often produce more resilient and disease-resistant fish. THIENDUC AQUARIUM has been at the forefront of this evolution, focusing on developing our production of freshwater fish and building a nationwide network of satellite systems to prepare for export.

Our focus on quality and our extensive wild fish system allow us to provide new and exciting products while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable practices. This blend of wild-caught and farmed fish allows us to bring new species to the market while simultaneously promoting ethical breeding.

Collectors and Exporters

The collectors who work on the front lines have the greatest impact on the immediate environment. A Sustainable Aquarium Trade requires them to abandon destructive practices and adopt responsible methods. This includes using hand nets to capture fish and implementing strict quotas to prevent over-collection. Our network of wild fish collection is built on these very principles.

We provide training and support to our satellite systems to ensure that our collectors adhere to a code of conduct that prioritises both the welfare of the fish and the preservation of their habitats. Our approach is to foster a long-term relationship built on mutual respect and a shared vision of sustainability.

Governments and NGOs

For an industry to be truly sustainable, it requires a regulatory framework. Governments can enforce strict regulations on collection, protect marine areas, and provide financial incentives to businesses that adopt sustainable practices.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role by conducting independent research, raising awareness, and providing certification for sustainable operations. A robust and transparent Sustainable Aquarium Trade relies on the work of these organisations to provide credibility and accountability.

A Model for a Sustainable Future: Collaboration and Innovation

The future of the Sustainable Aquarium Trade is not just about avoiding harm; it is about actively building a better model.

Traceability and Certification

Imagine a world where you could scan a QR code on your fish's packaging and trace its entire journey from its origin. This level of traceability, using technologies like blockchain, is the future. It provides transparency, builds consumer trust, and holds every party in the supply chain accountable.

We're determined to investigate these developments. Partnering with certification bodies like the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) is another key step. A universal certification standard provides an easy way for European consumers in the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to identify and support businesses that are leading the way.

Education and Awareness

A key part of the Sustainable Aquarium Trade is knowledge. Educating hobbyists about their role is vital. We aim to provide resources and information that empower our customers to make informed choices. Equally important is providing ongoing training for our collectors and partners. Our extensive satellite system is a perfect example of this. We are not just a business; we are a community of dedicated professionals committed to continuous improvement and conservation.

Technology and Research

Sustainability is fueled by innovation. Investing in scientific research to understand the needs of marine species and improve breeding success is critical. We believe that this investment is essential for the future. The Sustainable Aquarium Trade will be driven by new technologies that allow for better monitoring of wild populations and more efficient, ethical supply chains. THIENDUC AQUARIUM’s commitment to quality and our passion for the new is a testament to our forward-thinking approach. We are constantly seeking out new species and better ways to bring them to you responsibly.

Conclusion

A truly Sustainable Aquarium Trade is a shared effort. Our mission at THIENDUC AQUARIUM is to prove that a thriving business can be a responsible steward of the environment. By focusing on quality, an extensive network, and ethical practices, we promise you more than just a fish—we offer a partnership.

Contact Information: 

• Address: 57 Le Thi Sieng, Tan Thong Hoi, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 

• Mobile: +84903912501 

• Office: +84982577871 

• Email: thien@thienducaquarium.com