Retailer perspectives reveal knowledge gaps in the traceability of the scleractinian coral trade in Singapore

Abstract

Scleractinian corals are key reef-builders in tropical marine ecosystems. Harvests of wild stocks for the global marine aquarium trade have raised concerns about unsustainable exploitation. While it is important to ensure that marine ornamental species are used legally and sustainably, it is challenging to trace them through the trade due to the fragmented and complex supply chain. Retailers can provide unique perspectives to narrow knowledge gaps as they interact closely with both suppliers and consumers. Through semi-structured interviews of retailers based in Singapore, we investigated their knowledge of the supply chain, trade practices, and consumer preferences. We also surveyed taxa available for sale at these brick-and-mortar aquarium shops. Our study revealed at least 42 genera from 14 families of scleractinian corals present across 20 shops in Singapore. Retailers displayed a lack of familiarity in coral provenance and trade regulations, suggesting that they have limited awareness of traceability along the supply chain. Import decisions were not guided by traceability and environmental sustainability, but instead were driven by demand and supply factors such as aesthetics, rarity, and availability. This underscores the need for more outreach and engagement efforts to raise awareness among commercial stakeholders towards improving traceability and sustainable management in the marine aquarium industry.