Application of a One Welfare‐Based Ecosystem Model to assess wild collection for public aquariums

Abstract

Abstract1. Public aquariums are organizations that offer their visitors an opportunity to engage with, gain knowledge of, and contribute to the conservation of species and ecosystems. Unfortunately, the ways many aquariums maintain their populations include primarily sourcing marine species from the wild. This creates the potential for negative impacts to stressed aquatic environments and a need for a holistic approach to quantify the impacts of aquarium population management. 2. The objective of this study was to implement a developed One Welfare‐Based Ecosystem Model to predict impacts of aquarium population management on humans, animals, and the environment. Ecosystem indicators were selected and grouped into physical–chemical, biological, and socio‐economic categories. Data included measurements of environmental and animal indicators at field sites frequently visited by aquariums to collect animals from, aquarium visitor surveys, and publicly available data. Model development included comparing field data to reference information and then adding weightings based on indicator significance and alpha‐testing of the model. 3. At model completion, each institution was allocated a One Welfare status. Confidence ratings of measured indicators and reference data occurred for each field site to determine the appropriateness of use of the model for each aquarium. 4. Findings included a positive One Welfare status, with collaborating institutions scoring in the good and excellent categories (81.92/100 and 92.51/100). Confidence ratings showed positive results (62/100 and 78/100) for model applicability for the field sites studied as well as future use by other institutions assessing similar parameters. 5. To maintain their recognition as leaders in conservation, public aquariums must objectively assess their direct and indirect influence on marine ecosystems moving forward.