MAC, Marine Aquarium Council: What It's All About

The marine aquarium council, or MAC for short, is a non profit council that is designed to aid in conserving coral reefs and other marine ecosystems through the creation of such standards and certifications that are aimed at those that are engaged in the collection, handling and caring for of ornamental marine life from the natural reefs to our aquariums.

MAC has joined forces with six other non-profit organizations that have a credible reputation for the implication of high standards regarding the delicate balance associated with our natural reefs of the world. MAC is aimed at educating and informing everyone in all aspects of the marine trade and hobby. By incorporating certified organisms from managed reefs maintained by trained farmers and fishermen through non-destructive collection means, the natural marine reefs of our world can withstand another day here on earth, with hopes of prospering for many years to come.

The conservation of coral reefs and other various marine ecosystems is crucial and essential if we, our kids or their kids are to have any chance what so ever of witnessing and experiencing the glamor and beauty evident on our coral reefs. The six other pioneering organizations responsible for the conservational achievements have also set the consumer and industry standards that coexists with the ethical trade stretching across the agricultural, fishery and manufacturing sectors. Moreover, MAC complies with the ISEAL code of good practice that is associated with setting social and environmental standards.

The mission and motto of MAC, evident in ads provided by leading aquarists states very nicely "HEALTHY REEFS, HEALTHY FISH, HEALTHY HOBBY"!
Taking this one step further...

To the marine aquarium hobbyist, MAC ensures that we can better identify marine ornamentals that have been collected, handled and cared for according to the only international standards that enable us to purchase healthy and high quality animals that will ultimately live longer reducing much of the stress associated with the purchase of any marine animal.

As for the marine aquarium industry which includes collectors, wholesalers and retailers, implementing a MAC certification system ensures that the future conservation of our reefs is being employed and adhered to while, at the same time, enabling and ensuring the future success of businesses employing the MAC certification. As more and more aquarists become aware if the significance of their local pet shop or other marine venue being part of MAC's mission and focus, not only will the aquarist be receiving healthy and ethically collected specimens, but the MAC certified companies will reap the rewards of increased sales, confidence and devotion portrayed by the consumer.

Public aquariums, museums and zoos that employ the purchase of MAC certified animals can also benefit from the partnership with MAC. As more and more people visit these unique and highly prized venues which offers the best source of communicating issues regarding our oceans, elevated public awareness through conservation, research and educational is provided. The millions of visitors that gather at these institutions have been introduced and enlightened regarding key issues and conservational efforts employed by MAC programs and international standards and the synergistic attributes and connections between the museums, zoos and public aquariums and the marine aquarium council.

Moreover, sensitivity to and the delicate nature associated with ornamental trade, coral reef issues and conservational tactics are becoming more and more affluent through the realization that venues like the aquariums and zoos employ such beneficial components provided by MAC. This model encountered by the general public through trusted and respected educational awareness instituted with the pairing up with MAC, will provide hope and the strong possibility that our reefs can and will prosper now and in the distant future.

It is crucial that such efforts as those provided by MAC and others in combination with ISEAL and it's $53 billion in retail value in certified products, be incorporated and ascertained into the marine hobby in hopes of protecting and placing a significant value on conservational efforts and a conscientious attitude geared towards the prolonging and protecting of our beautiful reefs.