Well done
@Prestigereef . I really like to see this topic brought up for discussion. With regards `ethics` I really think that is a discussion for philosophers. I find it a word far to widely used and abused. Personally I think the alternative word `sustainable` is one we should all be discussing and exploring within the hobby.
I watched the video and was both impressed and informed. Thanks for sharing.
Sustainability is an aspect of the hobby I concentrate on very heavily. rather than scoring `Ethical` brownie points and giving myself a pat on the back. I believe that sustainability is the single most significant factor in the long term future of our great hobby. By definition , if something is not sustainable, it will eventually end.
Although I spend time raising awareness and support for aquaculture of Marine Ornamentals. I also see equal value in supporting many other aspects of the trade including sustainable practices in wild capture and collection.
Now comes the rub. I am not so convinced in the economic argument though. I often hear the argument that employing indigenous peoples within the collection trade empowers them in a way that will actively increase their conservation of the resource. If that was the case why do they get paid such a pittance for their often dangerous labour. You could equally argue that the same economic driver could possibly create an environment where sustainable practices were short changed to meet quotas. If ones driving force is simply economical then why be held back by restraints. Poor communities very rarely think about long term investment. They struggle just to stay afloat.
If that was not contentiouse enough to create a debate. What about the price we pay for these wonderful animals. When you factor in the work collecting processing and transporting the live animals. I find it quite astonishing how little we are prepared to pay for them. Maybe this is a driving force that creates an apparent throw away culture within some parts of the hobby.
I believe price and linked investment is a crucial part of sustainability. If we were prepared to pay more for our animals, then more could be invested in environmental and conservation projects, training and education.
I am continuously frustrated by my attempts to increase the availability of captive bred species here in the UK, coming up against seemingly unassailable obstacles such as wholesale `sole trader` contracts between the USA and Europe. I have lost count at the number of times I have begged and harassed breeders in the USA to ship to the UK. When UK independent importers are able to miraculously secure a shipment of Captive Bred stock, such as that from Biota to EcoMarines. They are met with a response of hobbyists "how much ? No thanks I will wait till the price comes down". The same hobbyists would think nothing of spending hundreds of pounds on a bit of kit mainly because of its esthetics. But when it comes to the very centre of any aquarium, the animals, they want everything on the cheap.
When a manufacturer decides on a RRP. for their product, one important factor is brand value. If you sell to cheap it may de value the brand. Well what are we doing with the animals by selling them so relatively cheap. We are devaluing the animal itself.
I also think we as hobbyists should engage more with other parties involved in the marine environment. We need to work with conservationists not against one another. I know first hand how frustrating this can be. Participating in both arenas I am often the target of abuse. But that is no reason to draw a line and build walls. We must work together to create a more sustainable future for the environment. After all without it we all loose.
Enough ranting by me,
Hopefully some of my comments will help sustain the debate. positive and negative comments welcome equally. I will be glad just to see the awareness of sustainability in our hobby discussed
As a side note. I seen one of my idols,
@chad vossen comments on here. One of my all time heroes of sustainability especially with regards aquaculture. Please spare a thought for us over the other side of the pond please Chad. I would love to see some of your prodigy make their way over here.
Lets all work towards a sustainable hobby. Best wishes from over the pond.
