Oahu
This island is home to pineapple fields, the
famous Waikiki beach, the Waikiki Aquarium and surfers flock to the North Shore
for the infamous Bonsai Pipeline. Oahu is the main gateway to mainland
destinations in the US, Europe, and Asia. In the marine ornamental trade Oahu
serves as a connection for fish coming from Christmas Island, the Big Island of
Hawaii as well as fish and invertebrate collection on it's West and Eastern shores.
AquaTouch works directly with collectors in various locations around the
world to improve the quality of livestock we make available to our customers.
Occasionally, we will visit them to learn first hand the techniques and
processes our fish experience before we receive them. AquaTouch is committed to
supporting collectors that operate in a conscientious and sustainable manor to
ensure the future well being of coral reefs. Below are examples of some of our
Hawaiian collectors hard at work. Enjoy!
Pokai Bay on Hawaii's western shore
Preparing the collection boat
Hand net collecting
Bait is sometimes
used
Caught fish kept in baskets
Baskets hung on a decompression line and raised slowly
over hours
Catch baskets are removed from the line
Fish released into flow through tanks on the boat
Trimming fins and sharp scalpels is necessary and common
Flame Angels in
route Show fish in holding tank
adjusting to captivity
Touring the export facility
Tools of the
trade
Life support systems
Packing shipments for air
travel Boat
clean-up for the next day
