Not this again...

[F i s h y]

Please be sure to keep the discussion open and within the TOS, I know this can be a volatile subject.

For better or worse, this has been re-introduced for decision.

Saving NEMO Act Reintroduced – Puts the Hobby and Tens of Thousands of Jobs in Jeopardy | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

Last week Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii (brother of Suzanne Case, the Director of Hawaii BLNR when the Hawaii aquarium fishery was shut down) reintroduced the Saving NEMO Act, H.R. 2176 (https://www.congress.

reefbuilders.com

 

[Elira_6301]

I really hope this doesnt stand. Thats terrible. Thank you for sharing.

 

[ChiCity]

 

[Slocke]

Though maybe we could do more I strongly believe that the main thing helping to keep reefs alive is, unfortunately, their monetary value. This hobby is one of the main drivers of that monetary value and so long as we continue to value reefs and their creatures there will be people who rely on keeping it healthy even if for selfish reasons.

 

[Elira_6301]

I think by doing aquaculture we are doing our part being respectful to the ocean and reefs. Im not sure why they would need to shut down both.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Science/G]

First thing.....I am an educator.....Guest Writer.....Meh. Now I am reading the bill.

 

[Science/G]

(c) Exceptions.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (b) does not apply with respect to an individual of a covered coral reef species that is—
(A) taken in accordance with a qualified scientifically-based management plan for such covered coral reef species, as determined by the appropriate Secretary;
(B) a product of a qualified cooperative breeding program for such covered coral reef species, as determined by the appropriate Secretary;
(C) a product of a qualified aquaculture or mariculture facility, as determined by the appropriate Secretary;
(D) taken pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of Commerce, or imported or exported pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of the Interior, for scientific purposes, museum purposes, or zoological breeding or display; or

 

[Elira_6301]

(c) Exceptions.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (b) does not apply with respect to an individual of a covered coral reef species that is—
(A) taken in accordance with a qualified scientifically-based management plan for such covered coral reef species, as determined by the appropriate Secretary;
(B) a product of a qualified cooperative breeding program for such covered coral reef species, as determined by the appropriate Secretary;
(C) a product of a qualified aquaculture or mariculture facility, as determined by the appropriate Secretary;
(D) taken pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of Commerce, or imported or exported pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of the Interior, for scientific purposes, museum purposes, or zoological breeding or display; or

Does that mean they have the right to approve or disapprove merchants? How does that work? Sorry, just trying to understand.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Thank you for sharing this! Let's hope this does not pass!

 

[ChiCity]

tis a shame…
this gorgeous specimen deserves to be in more tanks

 

[F i s h y]

(c) Exceptions.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (b) does not apply with respect to an individual of a covered coral reef species that is—
(A) taken in accordance with a qualified scientifically-based management plan for such covered coral reef species, as determined by the appropriate Secretary;
(B) a product of a qualified cooperative breeding program for such covered coral reef species, as determined by the appropriate Secretary;
(C) a product of a qualified aquaculture or mariculture facility, as determined by the appropriate Secretary;
(D) taken pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of Commerce, or imported or exported pursuant to authorization by the Secretary of the Interior, for scientific purposes, museum purposes, or zoological breeding or display; or

It sounds like the unfortunate reality of these exceptions are very similar to the issue in Hawaii. Even thought there are provisions that would make it legal to carry out business, the vetting process may be to hard, and complicated to be economically feasible for any company to do, especially those independent collectors over seas that this is their livelihood.

As I understand it, the ban on Hawaiian fish is technically no more, but there are no permits being issued because of the bureaucracy surrounding getting them.

 

[Science/G]

Ok, so aquaculture only. I have zero problem with this. But, I am not in the trade. I remember when the bill was passed outlawing the harvest of live rock in Florida. I had some friends who had to pivot quickly. 30 years later, no one complains, and reefs are better off. Sure, some will take a financial hit, and others will get bogged down with applications for exemptions with the Department of the Interior, but hey,
"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one." Mr. Spock

 

[Science/G]

Something else I have no problem with..........."Most of the states, licenses or permits are generally required for owning certain exotic animals, especially those considered Class I, II, or III wildlife, or venomous reptiles, to ensure public safety and animal welfare."

 

[Science/G]

Time series of Grecian Rocks coral reef​

The stony corals are gone!!!!

 

[Science/G]

tis a shame…
this gorgeous specimen deserves to be in more tanks

Cirrhilabrus jordani has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2009. Cirrhilabrus jordani is listed as Least Concern. I get it! But, how many are killed each year by beginner hobbyists who can't even maintain their salinity properly?!!?

 

[Science/G]

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2176/text/ih

 

[Science/G]

Already a "thing" in Florida !
When raising aquatic species for commercial sale, you are required to obtain an Aquaculture Certificate of Registration from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) annually. The certificate authorizes production and sale of aquaculture products.

 

[Malum Argenteum]

Though maybe we could do more I strongly believe that the main thing helping to keep reefs alive is, unfortunately, their monetary value. This hobby is one of the main drivers of that monetary value and so long as we continue to value reefs and their creatures there will be people who rely on keeping it healthy even if for selfish reasons.

Because most collection areas in the world are used by people with the foresight to preserve them for future use (and not overfish and use poison and the like for short term exploitation)? Or because there's such a positive historical record of market forces motivating environmental preservation generally?

 

[Red_Beard]

Though maybe we could do more I strongly believe that the main thing helping to keep reefs alive is, unfortunately, their monetary value. This hobby is one of the main drivers of that monetary value and so long as we continue to value reefs and their creatures there will be people who rely on keeping it healthy even if for selfish reasons.

I think there is a lot of merit to that sentiment. I would hope they take a similar course as the various hunting conservation organizations. I know in our state specifically that has been a massive help to huntable wildlife both in terms of population growth as well as habitat preservation.