There is a startling lack of global regulation of the marine ornamental trade. The only international legal framework that governs the trade of marine ornamentals is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Requirements under Appendix II help prevent traded species from reaching the point where they need stricter protections, while Appendix III targets species that range countries want help controlling in international trade. Yet both of these appendices are poorly equipped to help regulate the marine aquarium trade. This Comment proposes amendments to CITES and certification schemes as a means to enhance regulation of the marine aquarium trade. Expanding the listing criteria under Appendix III could fill gaps in data for species most at risk of overexploitation, and sharing technology among countries could increase efficiency at export and import and track species-specific trade data. Meanwhile, streamlined certification schemes through trade associations or through the CITES Secretariat could promote sustainability without creating too much of a financial burden on consumers.