In my 2009 retrospective write up I predicted that we'd see a shift towards efficiency, increased legislation, and more captive breeding in 2010. Let's see whether or not I was correct...
Efficiency
LED lighting has hit the market in a major way, which is a very efficient form of lighting. Many more LED options emerged in 2010 - so many, in fact, that I predict there isn't a large enough market for all of these newcomers, and that we'll see the number of companies selling LEDs begin to decline in late 2011. 2010 also saw the first diodes designed specifically for reef aquariums: Orphek's 'Power LED' diode, with an improved version supposedly on the way in 2011.
Lighting consumes much more electricity than any other piece equipment we use on our aquariums, and since LEDs consume only about 1/3rd of the electricity comperable MH or T-5 lighting does, the benefits are obvious. However, switching to LED lighting is not without its complications, and the fixtures are often less practical to use. I think we will see continued maturation of LED tech through 2011, and possibly even a shift away from the popular Cree diodes as companies begin to make diodes better suited for aquarium purposes.
Legislation
While no legislation specifically targeted toward the hobby has passed, proposals are cropping up more and more, and I still believe legal regulations are imminent for our hobby. The largest possibly being the National Fisheries Service 82 endangered stony corals of Hawai'i.
Unfortunately, the mortality and longevity of animals in our hobby continues to be abysmal, and research is beginning to show that our hobby is having a direct, negative impact on the populations of popular species such as bulb-tipped anemones. As news of these negative aspects of our hobby becomes more mainstream, legislation is inevitable, and not necessarily a bad idea if implemented correctly and written under the guidance of of population biologists and ecologists.
Breeding and Propagation
2010 was an awesome year for captive raised and captive bred species! Sustainable Aquatics's Sustainable Islands project is now offering dozens of captive raised species while also benefitting local peoples. Fish breeding expert Matt Wittenrich has developed protocols for several species, most notably for 2010 the green mandarin for ORA. Another breakthrough are the tank raised Pinnatus batfish by Pacific Aqua Farms. Additionally, many designer clownfish species also hit the market. I expect and am looking forward to even more species and strains in 2011!
Ecological Impacts of 2010
2010 was an interesting year for ocean ecology. The most negative impact was of course the Deepwater Horizon oil leak, that interestingly enough had a positive impact on some species. Collection and flights were interrupted in the major hub of Jakarta Indonesia by a volcano eruption. The Smithsonian not only created a Hawaiin coral bank, but also succesfully propagates two anemone species!
Top Products For 2010
I won't be picking any. I am not a fan of the consumerism culture, and not every product is going to work for every aquarist. There are as many ways to succefully keep an aquarium as there are succesful aquariums, and the vast majority don't require much equipment at all. Aquariums aren't about the latest and greatest gadget, they're about maintaining and appreciating aquatic life.
Recommendations for Hobbyists in 2011
I continue to offer the same encouragement to hobbyists that I always have, which is to approach the hobby with ethics and informed decision making. Be aware of the fact that our hobby has a larger impact that may not be readily apparent to all. How our hobby progresses hinges a great deal on the decisions we as hobbyists make, and how we choose to spend our money.
From the Home Team
Myself and my co-authors will continue to tell it like it is here at the CA blog and not be swayed or bought by advertisers or fads. Surprisingly (or perhaps not so much so?) we get our share of hate mail from other aquarium sites and product manufacturers for our honesty. Not everyone likes our 'can't-be-bought' and 'tell-it-like-it-is' writing style, but we're here to share and learn, not to make a profit. I advocate perspective: this is just a hobby, but there's a lot we can learn from it.
Happy New Year everyone!
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