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Aquatic Conservation

Biogeographic Patterns, Population Structure, and Conservation of the Threatened Banggai Cardinalfish

Alejandro Vagelli of the New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences has been studying the Banggai cardinalfish with the help of CEF funding. Over 700,000 Banggai cardinalfish are exported annually for the pet trade from its restricted geographic range in Indonesia. Scientists hope to list this species in the next Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) appendices, which will create a commercial trade ban.

While the cardinalfish has been under intense study, this flagship species will hopefully serve as the beginning for conservation efforts in one of the richest areas for marine biodiversity. During the 2004 expedition of this project, the commercial process of capturing wild cardinalfish was filmed for the first time. Following this last expedition, Vagelli obtained permission to create two small marine protected areas for the species. The future of this project lies in figuring the logistics of the conservation area and promoting local involvement to ensure long-term success.