Tonga Closed?

[revhtree]

Anybody seen or heard this?

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1382020

FYI

US Fish and Wildlife have closed all imports from Tonga, as of three days ago.

This means no more corals, or live rock can be imported into the US from Tonga.

This will be a huge hit to the industry as the supply of live rock and corals continues to diminish from overseas.

Richard TBS

 

[reefboy]

yep its true but not as bad as some think I know my ryhzo order has been canceled but ill role with the punches and theres still alot of cultured stuff from there that I assume will be unaffected.

 

[Russellaqua]

It doesn't seem like it'll be that bad. Of course I could be wrong. Usually when something happens my wholesalers go crazy with emails and I haven't heard a peep out of them about this. Makes it seem like they're not that concerned.

 

[rdvab]

Probaly a good thing....the bigger this industry gets the more coral is placed in the hands of inexperienced reefers and we needlessly lose a lot of coral.This gives the wild coral a chance to re-group I am sure there are not many , but some retailers,beleive it or not,could care less about survival of corals sold,because it gives them a chance to sell more.Please no flames my way ,as this is JMO
Ron

 

[bluegrass]

not a big deal from what little I know

 

[Burks]

More than just Tonga:

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=121280

Some suppliers are freaking out, others are "ehhhh". I don't think Tonga will be down for long. Way too much money for them to lose.

 

[coral88]

What corals only come from Tonga ???

 

[reef-nut]

How long do you think it will be before this hobby is gone or so expensive no one can afford it?

 

[reefcleaners]

It is a shame for the people of Tonga though, they make so little money on this hobby, but it is there treasures being lost. The average Tongan makes only $3 a day. I love topics on Tonga, and have written a law review article on their democracy movement. Viva Pohiva!

 

[bluegrass]

Walt Smith has been posting in this thread...
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1380526

 

[Reef Goddess]

Reef-nut, that question has been asked a lot of times, but this hobby will never be outpriced or made obsolete. I don't know the exact numbers, but the saltwater aquarium industry continues to be a rapidly growing market and I doubt a small recession will set it back for long. If anything more people will start investing money/facilities into increased aquaculture and captive raised stuff. Its more cost efficient and good for the environment as well. When you aquaculture stuff you don't have to worry about CITES permits being renewed or having Fish & Wildlife breathing down your neck. lol