The
Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) has developed over the last
four years third-party certification of quality and sustainability
in the marine aquarium industry comprising a set of Core
Standards - Ecosystem and Fishery Management, Collection,
Fishing and Holding and the Handling, Husbandry and Transport
standards. These Core Standards cover the "Reef to Retail"
supply chain. MAC Certification provides an opportunity
for Pacific Island coastal communities to exploit their
rich marine biodiversity in a more sustainable fashion.
The
Sustainable Management of Aquarium Reef Trade Project is
a two-year initiative that seeks to promote MAC certification
in ten Pacific Island countries. The SMART Project intends
to disseminate tools to communities in ecosystem management
planning, sustainable collection of aquarium products, and
market linkages, within the context of MAC Certification.
The project also intends to build the capacity of community
stakeholders and mid-level service providers.
Activities
have been carried out so far in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and
Solomon Islands and are managed by MAC and Just World Partners
in partnership with FSPI. SMART is funded by the European
Commission.
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