S.O.S. SIX

June 17, 2016 the second 'Nemo' film will be released: 'Finding Dory'. People within the aquarium industry already are getting nervous. Due to the popularity of Nemo - after the release of the first Nemo-film the sales of Clownfish raised with 25% - it is expected that Dory also will become high in demand.

Amphiprion ocellaris, Nemo's scientific name, is one of the most succesful marine fishes bred in captivity. Numerous color strains have been developed, making wild caught specimens almost unnecessary. 
Commercial breeding of the funny Dory, Paracanthus hepatus, has thusfar not succeeded. In Indinesia juveniles are caught and raised in cages along the coast. These specimens are sold as 'Captive Raised'. The young fish are exported when they reach a length of 4-5 cm (approx. 1-2"). If the demand for Dory will raise as expected, catching wild specimens may cause problems to the natural population. SAIA (Sustainable Aquarium Industry Association, a cooperation of trade and hobbyists, therefor already started a campaign to inform the public about the situation of Dory in the wild. 
Number six, as the fish, due to the remarkable pattern on the dorsal area, is called in Indonesia, deserves anyones attention. 


Please take a look at the SAIA site for more details on this subject, or watch the video above: 'Searching for Letter 6'. 

To create awareness on the situation I created a special artwork "S.O.S.-6". Collectible and valuable artworks which will be available in limited numbers. Artwork and additional merchandise (cards; mugs and Tees) are now offered on Kickstarter. 
Dory may forget everything...you shouldn't. Remind Dory!