The Dark Hobby

Hawaii is ground zero in the global struggle to save marine wildlife. The Dark Hobby is an expose on Native Hawaiian Elders, conservationists and scientists who struggle to ensure the survival of these stunning tiny creatures that are targets of a trade worth billions. Some species have been driven to extinction by collectors, and others are severely diminished. These fish eat the algae growing on the coral. When they’re removed from the reef for sale, the coral dies - which produces 50% of earth's oxygen. Collectors use cyanide, dynamite, cut their fins, pierce their swim bladders with needles, and seal them in bags to ship globally. 90% die within a year of capture, creating a demand for replacement. Yet scientific research reveals that fish have feelings, feel pain, recognize human faces, and sing!