Karen Talbot (1972- ) Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni), 2009. India ink and watercolor on Strathmore pastel 400 series paper; 9 x 12 in. (22.9 x 30.48 cm). Unframed. To be Donated to Yayasan Alam Indonesia Lestari (LINI).

Artist's Notes. May 2009. Laguna Beach, California - Ever since I first saw a Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni), I was in love. These fish are so remarkable for so many reasons, but my interest in them at present has everything to do with their conservation. The Banggai cardinalfish is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, and there are those who believe that extinction is imminent. If the species does become extinct, there is little doubt that the cause will have been the marine aquarium industry. This fish, which became an aquarium favorite in the mid- to late 90s, has an exceedingly limited native range (around the Banggai Islands). This fact, combined with its ease of capture, has led to overfishing that may threaten the very survival of the species.

I am a marine aquarist because I believe that keeping marine species affords me an unparalleled opportunity to experience the amazing ecosystems from which the species I keep originate. Because of our daily interaction with our aquaria, I believe that marine aquarists, not unlike anglers, can and should be on the front line of marine conservation. My marine aquaria (we have four at present!) are, like my conservation art, something which I appreciate and which is a daily reminder of my responsibility to conserve and protect the world's oceans and the animals which inhabit them.

I created this illustration for a notecard set which could be sold to raise money for Yayasan Alam Indonesia Lestari (LINI). LINI is a local Indonesian not-for-profit organization committed to supporting the conservation and management of coastal marine resources throughout Indonesia by empowering coastal communities and promoting fairer, more sustainable practices of marine resource use. As a local organization, LINI has more freedom to work within Indonesia, and has the advantage of experience and cultural awareness when gaining the trust of the local communities. LINI is also helping the Indonesian government in policy development, coastal zone management, and community-based aquaculture and coral propagation for reef restoration.

All of the profits from the sale of the Banggai cardinalfish notecards will go to support LINI's work, and I am pleased to present the original illustration to Gayatri Reksodihardjo-Lilley of LINI. To purchase these notecards directly, visit www.saltwaterfish.com.

In 2009, Karen is working on a series of fishes, including the Banggai cardinalfish. Some of these original pieces will be for sale in Karen's booth at the Sawdust Art Festival during the summer of 2009. If you want more information, please contact karen at karen@karentalbotart.com.