Japan uses the research loop hole to whale. The IWC said that a limited number of whales could be killed, if the purpose of their killing was scientific research. Australia and a few other nations showed that the data Japan was getting by killing whales, could easily be obtained by cheaper, non-invasive methods, that didn't even hurt whales, let alone kill them. The IWC tightened the loop hole, but Japan continues to pursue whaling.
The reality is, there are legitimate arguments against the marine aquarium industry. NOAA has linked the industry to reef degradation, and I would suggest any reefer who wants to make a comprehensive argument in favor of reef aquariums read the NOAA report. NOAA also has resources available to learn more about a cohesive strategy for coral reef conservation.
First, when compared to commercial fishing, energy companies and other industries that abuse the ocean, reef keeping is very small. It means the impact of that industry is less, but it also means we are easy to pick on. Going up against an energy company is like tackling a behemoth. While the reef aquarium industry can afford some defense, (largely spent to lobbyists that line politicians' pockets) our coffers can and will run dry, in the wake of trying to repeal legislation. It makes reefing an easy target, it's economic impact when compared to other industries is small, and it gives the government bragging rights when it comes to cleaning up the coral reefs worldwide.
Our biggest problem is that industry has failed to police itself. MAC was a start, but turned out to be a big money making sham. Right now, there is no movement within the industry to police what goes on. Heck, on aquarium forum ********* vendors were selling illegally collected corals, species from the China Sea, which are illegal to import into the US. When the site administrator was told about this, they did zilch to correct it, and got angry that someone pointed it out. There are no degrees of oversight, certification, training ... nothing. When you consider the licensing and training other industries, such as real estate, require, it's amazing you can harvest threatened natural resources from around the globe, and there aren't really any rules about selling them.
I assume, with the new NOAA legislation that will change. Though, I find it humorous when the pet industry asks for money to lobby. They should be asking for money to form a policing agency within the industry, so they can tell the government, here are the steps we are taking to make the hobby sustainable. Until that happens, we are going to have a lot of Sea Shepherds, Snorkel Bobs, regulating agencies, etc - to deal with. If it never happens, the next NOAA list of threatened species may include any corals and a large variety of marine fish.