The Marine Aquarium Council, otherwise known as MAC, is a group seeking to “conserve marine ecosystems through the promotion of responsible aquarium trade”. This non-profit group designates certifications to exporters and retailers based on a set of criteria which has included a third party attestation. In addition to this, they have created a variety of [...]
The Marine Aquarium Council, otherwise known as MAC, is a group seeking to “conserve marine ecosystems through the promotion of responsible aquarium trade”. This non-profit group designates certifications to exporters and retailers based on a set of criteria which has included a third party attestation. In addition to this, they have created a variety of MAC standards on Fishery Management, Collection and Holding, Husbandry and Transport, and Aquaculture Management. In the past only stores who became MAC licensed sellers, could advertise MAC certified fish. Meaning, non-MAC-licensed local fish stores (“LFS”) who purchased MAC fish would be unable to sell them with the MAC label. This is an obvious flaw. MAC certified fish typically cost more, yet non-licensed LFS owners were unable to include this label when selling the fish to hobbyists.
In late July, MAC launched an interim licensing program that makes it easier for stores to use the MAC label, but at a cost.
The Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new interim licensed retailer program designed to allow retailers who satisfactorily complete the MAC self-assessment questionnaire and agree to the terms of the licensing agreement to sell MAC Certified Organisms and to advertise product as such.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch. To qualify for the interim licensed retailer program the Marine Aquarium Council the fee starts at $250, with lower marginal rates for multiple stores.
Once approved, retailers will be granted a license to sell MAC certified product and use the MAC label in accordance with the rules and regulations of the program. Licensed retailers will get the added benefit of being listed on the MAC website as sellers of certified marine organisms. We encourage retailers to participate in this new program so as to help open up the sale of certified product to those who desire them, resulting in an increased awareness of MAC products, programs, and services.
It is a noble cause no doubt, but as with any marine industry related group the effectiveness of MAC has been debated. In the case of the MAC Interim Licensing program I think the question is, is this the proper business model to roll out to non-licensed LFS or LFS in general? Moral and ethical views aside, this is essentially a licensing program for the MAC trademark. Currently MAC lists 4 U.S. accredited LFS in the U.S.. With their new Interim Licensed Retailer Program this number may grow, but many feel it is not enough to get new LFS on board.
For more information visit AquariumCouncil.org
