Originally Posted by Myka (Post 644057)

It wouldn't take a whole lot of effort to make collection limits on these fish (and other "sensitive" species) which would drive up the price and help to prevent "the average hobbyist" from acquiring them. The governing body is already in place (DAR). The only thing needing to happen are regulations on collecting limits.

Who wants to buy a $300 that is difficult to keep alive? Mostly only experts that know they can do it. I would LOVE to have a Moorish Idol, but I know I probably can't keep it which is enough for me to refuse to try.

I was in an LFS not too long ago where a customer was mad because a Moorish Idol died before he could buy it. I tried to tactfully explain why he would be a moron to buy it (he's a newbie in the sw world), but he wouldn't hear any of it. Something tells me he might have thought twice if the fish was $300 instead of $50. I personally don't believe that fish like the Moorish Idol and Cleaner Wrasse should be readily available to any hobbyist, and especially not for the insanely low prices they are offered at.

If we can't get regulations governing the export of fish from their country of origin then maybe we could put governing regulations on fishes being imported. Maybe sensitive species could have high import taxes which are forwarded to research institutes. There are a lot of ways that these issues in question could be improved.

Originally Posted by Slick Fork (Post 644178)

A blanket import tax on wild-caught fish is the only really practical method. A species specific tax relies on some customs guy being able to tell the difference between an ocellaris clownfish and a moorish idol, or a wholesaler being ethical enough to fill out the forms honestly.

Originally Posted by Slick Fork

I think everyone is in agreement that legislation and enforcement of collection practices and species is one thing in a developed place like Hawaii, but completely impractical in most of these impoverished nations where the bulk of our fish come from.

Originally Posted by Ret Talbot

he second of five counties in Hawai'i have now voted urging the state to ban the marine aquarium trade. Many close to the debate over the marine aquarium fishery contend the vote was influenced by misinformation and misused statistics that seek to frame an ethical debate as a resource issue. The local media's response appears uncritical and potentially makes it more difficult for multi-stakeholder groups to work toward collaborative solutions that can ensure sustainability.

Two of the five counties in the state of Hawai‘i have now voted to urge the State to prohibit the sale of aquatic life for aquarium purposes. Echoing action taken by the Hawai‘i County Council in early October, Kaua‘i County Council recently voted unanimously to include in the 2012 Kaua‘i County Legislative Package a proposed draft resolution urging the Legislature to ban the collection of marine life for the aquarium trade statewide.

Originally Posted by Myka (Post 652735)

The ridiculous part is that they are all just going around and around in circles! It seems there is no progress one way or other. Both sides are using the same arguments over and over, and no matter what the anti-Ban side does, the Ban side won't give an inch.