The politically correct discussions indulged in on the internet are
interesting but offer no positive practical suggestions and consequent
action to ensure the future well being of the fish. A.N.G.F.A. seems to
believe that "Nothing can be done so it's no use trying. "We have
recognized that there are problems and told people now it's up to someone
else." is the attitude.
Attempting to denigrate my interest in these fish to purely commercial is
laughable. I have kept them for over 20 years and have yet to make a profit
overall. I have shared any new varieties that have come into my possession
immediately from the first breeding to ensure their survival and I
maintain many varieties that will never be a commercial proposition.-
Hardly the greed-driven hard-nosed commercial breeder image some would like
to attribute to me.
Maybe "Nothing can be done" but I am sure as hell going to try and I
believe the real protection of the fish lies in hobbyist and more
realistically commercial breeding of the fish. Our fish and river systems
are potentially in trouble through pollution, translocations and
indiscriminate commercial collecting. New Guinea faces similar problems.
Government legislation is in place to attempt to combat these depredations
but is being ignored by everybody so is ineffective. By our silence when we
see people doing the wrong thing, we are protecting and therefore aligning
ourselves with them. Wanting to do the right thing brands me as a stirrer
and an out of control firecracker. If A.N.G.F.A's attitude to my
resignation is "Good, we can do without the stirrers." then so be it. They
can re-settle back into their scientific, intelligent, circular discussions
and believe they are making a difference preaching to the converted. I
would rather see you stirring to get the legislation right and workable,
exposing, not just tut-tutting illegal and damaging practices and lobbying
the government to get legal importation of New Guinea fishes so we can
enjoy and contribute to the protection of New Guinea species which has so
far only been possible through illegal imports. A.N.G.F.A.'s combined
reputation carries more weight than the individual.
Life happens gentlemen. I will go on doing my own thing.
Gordon Hides