1) What do you think about our hobby and its impact on the natural reefs?
I love this hobby. For me is a continual source of fascination and excitement and there is always something new to learn. I believe that at the moment the overall impact on natural reefs is negative, but still nothing when compared to many other factors including improperly controlled fisheries and commercial fishing practices, global warming and even just the pollution caused by every individual in any developed nation.
2) Do you buy wild caught if yes does it bother you?
Yes, since the variety of captive bred fish is still very small I don’t have much choice. No it does not bother me.
3) What do you think we as hobbyists can do to protect or help our reefs?
Raise awareness where possible; continue to educate ourselves about the livestock we keep and their status in the wild.
4) Do you see the hobby coming to an end?
Hopefully not. If anything we may get to the point where we are forced to rely solely on captive bred livestock, but I doubt it will end completely.
5) Do you support captive breeding?
Of course, it increases our knowledge of the animals we keep and reduces our impact on natural reefs.
6) What do you think the impact would be to the economy if collecting/harvesting were to stop?
The biggest impact would be seen at the collection/harvesting end the industry, where local economies benefit from the money brought in by sale of livestock. On the retail end, local businesses would suffer but ultimately the impact on the economy would be very minimal.
7) Do you think black-market or underground coral smuggling exist in our country?
Probably but I have never heard of it.
8) Do you think collecting and harvesting practices could be better?
Yes. Bans on cyanide and chemical fishing would be an improvement as would better regulation of how many of which species can be removed while maintaining sustainability.
9) Would you not buy something because it came from the wild?
I have no problems buying wild caught specimens as long as they appear to be in good health and I have done some research on their captive requirements.
10) Do you think the impact has bettered in the last ten years or gotten worse?
Still not fantastic, but much better.
11) Do you believe there should be animal laws regarding fish and tank sizes?
Absolutely not. It would be pretty much pointless since the logistics of enforcing such legislations are mind boggling. It would just end up wasting far too much time and money with no positive end result.
12) Do you feel guilty for caging these little creatures?
Only in situations where very large fish are kept in aquariums that are so small as noticeably hinder movement. If the livestock are in good health, are appropriately sized for the aquarium and the tank seems to be properly maintained then no, I do not feel guilty at all.
13) What are your thoughts on species that don’t do well and lfs bringing them in regularly?
If a species is known to do very poorly in captivity I don’t believe that they should be regularly stocked by a LFS. However if a person has done the research, can provide a suitable environment for the animal and the animal is not threatened in the wild then they should be available for special order.
14) Would you buy something smuggled or not supposed to be in our country?
This really depends on the animal in question, my own feelings and views regarding the animal and the reason(s) that it has been banned in my country. Under the perfect circumstances, heck yes.
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