Hawaiian Ornamental Fishing Ban PASSED

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Slick Fork

I think the ban is a good thing, if you read into the report that Myka provided the yellow tang numbers increased in areas with a full ban on collection. Open water and unprotected populations are still down. It also makes the point that the Yellow tang is unique and a protected areas approach may not have the same effect on all fish.

I think you missed the point where the overall numbers of Yellow Tangs increased by 35% despite doubling the number collected. It shows that in the case of Yellow Tangs where there is a safe place for them to habituate they can increase their total population. You could also easily wonder if many of the open water fish moved to the protected areas simply to avoid the disruption of boats. It is the overall number you need to concentrate on. Now, if they limited the numbers of Yellow Tangs that could be collected there would be an even further increase in population.

[Slick Fork]

Originally Posted by Myka

I think you missed the point where the overall numbers of Yellow Tangs increased by 35% despite doubling the number collected. It shows that in the case of Yellow Tangs where there is a safe place for them to habituate they can increase their total population. You could also easily wonder if many of the open water fish moved to the protected areas simply to avoid the disruption of boats. It is the overall number you need to concentrate on. Now, if they limited the numbers of Yellow Tangs that could be collected there would be an even further increase in population.

Yes, but the increase was due to a complete ban in certain areas... not a limiting of numbers collected.

Perhaps that's the ticket, leave some safe havens for the tangs to breed. The article does state though that this won't work for all fish, it's a success story for yellow tangs because of their breeding and migration habits.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Slick Fork

Yes, but the increase was due to a complete ban in certain areas... not a limiting of numbers collected.

Perhaps that's the ticket, leave some safe havens for the tangs to breed. The article does state though that this won't work for all fish, it's a success story for yellow tangs because of their breeding and migration habits.

Exactly. Ban in certain areas, and limit in the rest of the areas. I think proper management is the answer, but it is definitely a lot less paperwork and effort to just wipe the board clear with a complete ban. They need to start looking at other species now to see what can be done to manage the rest.

[Bryan]

Would be interesting if all these equipment mfg are lobbying to protect the interests of the aquarium industry. Seems their bread and butter depends on a sustainable collection policy to keep the hobby alive. No salt water fish no sales.