For the past 19 years Walt has been growing coral in Fiji. Not just a few trays but about 60,000 – 90,000 pieces per year. Find out what happens to all this new coral and who benefits. You may be surprised. Walt started as a marine fish enthusiast way back in 1970 when technology was limited to an under gravel filter and air stones. When Walt first opened his Tonga collection station in 1989 he had already spent over 17 years in the business as a wholesaler in Los Angeles, California. By that time many advancements in the hobby made it possible to start thinking about keeping live corals in your tank as the "mini reef" revolution started to gain a foothold in the marine aquarium hobby. In 1995 Walt and his wife Deborah decided to expand their little business to Fiji and have been there ever since. In 1998 Walt Smith International started experimenting with natural coral farming and live rock manufacturing making theirs the first commercial coral and rock farm in the world. Walt loves to share what he has learned and has been a regular speaker in scientific conferences and events such as this throughout the world. After a long break he is happy to be back at MACNA and is looking forward to sharing his experiences with the enthusiastic hobbyist who attend this fantastic event.