In response to the need to conserve the marine resources and to support sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities and the Indonesian marine aquarium industry, the Indonesian Government has set up the Certification Body for Competency for Ornamental Fish (Lembaga Sertifikasi Profesi Ikan Hias).

The standards for certification are being developed, and include management of collection areas, fisheries and husbandry.

The initiative is a direct response to the need to reduce the destruction of Indonesia’s globally- important coral reefs. Incentives for reef management and sustainability are also needed in the marine aquarium fishery and export business.

A significant amount of recent work has been conducted on the marine aquarium trade in Indonesia during the implementation of the Marine Aquarium Council’s (MAC) program from 2003 – 2008, where MAC Indonesia was a pioneer organization in promoting a more sustainable marine ornamental (MO) fisheries management.

DIHI has made endorsement towards companies who comply to best practices, such as company