Hawaii Fish Collection
- Thread starter Singlefin
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Thanks for the update. The study showed predictable results: that collection at this rate has no environmental impact. The Director of the DLNR even said so before in testimony before the Hawaii legislature.
The anti-aquarium movement is run basically by a group of lawyers (and a few backers) who believe that ending aquarium keeping is best for the fish. Oftentimes their assertions are ludicrous, and with many such groups not remotely backed by science.
That being said, the aquarium industry and hobby has to clean up our act, ensuring as few fish as possible die. The game of treating the fish as "hot potato" live stock going from one point to another cannot be stopped in the current industry structure; but <1% death rates through the distribution chain from collection to arrival at the LFS is reportedly possible and available in the best managed fisheries (which I'm sure includes Hawaii).
As ridiculous as the arguments for Yellow Tang collection reductions can be, and as arbitrary as it is, I am sort of on the Tang police side and would prefer that collection be limited from their ever growing number. The way to do that is not a ban, but annual catch limits (like any other commercial fishery. Or for that matter other forms of terrestrial wildlife management). The fact that the anti-aquarium groups don't even mention that shows, IMO, what their ultimate purpose is.
The anti-aquarium movement is run basically by a group of lawyers (and a few backers) who believe that ending aquarium keeping is best for the fish. Oftentimes their assertions are ludicrous, and with many such groups not remotely backed by science.
That being said, the aquarium industry and hobby has to clean up our act, ensuring as few fish as possible die. The game of treating the fish as "hot potato" live stock going from one point to another cannot be stopped in the current industry structure; but <1% death rates through the distribution chain from collection to arrival at the LFS is reportedly possible and available in the best managed fisheries (which I'm sure includes Hawaii).
As ridiculous as the arguments for Yellow Tang collection reductions can be, and as arbitrary as it is, I am sort of on the Tang police side and would prefer that collection be limited from their ever growing number. The way to do that is not a ban, but annual catch limits (like any other commercial fishery. Or for that matter other forms of terrestrial wildlife management). The fact that the anti-aquarium groups don't even mention that shows, IMO, what their ultimate purpose is.
If I read that right, that means there are no legal collection permits at this time! My newly acquired Gold Rim tang and Flame Wrasse are a little more precious tonight.
