The United States Aquarium Association, better known as USAQUA, has recently emerged as a pivotal force in the world of aquatic advocacy. Launched by attorney and lifelong hobbyist Art Parola, USAQUA.org serves as the digital headquarters for a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of aquarium keepers, retailers, and sustainable trade practitioners.
Modeled after the successful United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK), USAQUA addresses a long-standing need for a unified legislative voice. The organization focuses on tackling regulatory challenges that threaten the aquarium trade, ranging from restrictive local “white lists” to federal import bans. Its mission is rooted in science, education, and conservation, promoting responsible ownership while ensuring that policies regarding aquatic life are based on sound data rather than emotional rhetoric.
One of the organization’s most notable early actions involves its legal push to reform the status of the Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus). By petitioning for the legal import of captive-bred specimens from CITES-registered facilities, USAQUA is demonstrating its commitment to modernizing outdated regulations that no longer reflect current aquaculture successes.
Beyond litigation, USAQUA.org provides a platform for hobbyists to stay informed about legislative threats in their own backyards. By bridging the gap between “the hobby and the hill,” USAQUA ensures that the millions of Americans who enjoy home aquariums are represented in the halls of government. For a modest membership fee, enthusiasts can support a group that safeguards the future of the industry and the ecological integrity of the species they cherish.
Just $20/year can help support these efforts. At the Bronze level, $40/year, your choice of USAQUA T-Shirts is included. Individual Silver, Gold and corporate Platinum sponsorships are available as well.
