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                          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