> So what is important then?
Now we are getting towards the deeper philosophical crap. :-)
Every one has a different answer to this question as it depends upon
their perspective. The most important thing to me is to have an intact
habitat. For humans to persist habitats are going to change, but I think
efforts can be made to limit these impacts. I think it is important to
set aside areas that are still relatively pristine. Australia is
probably one of the luckiest countries in the world in this respect
interms of aquatic habitats. Non native organisms are to be obliterated
except cows as I like my hamburgers. :-) Actually, roos are ok, I could
substitute for them.
Ultimately, I think we just try and do the best we can realising that
perfection is not a real target to aim for. For me, if someone in the
future can obtain similar experiences and the same enjoyment out of it
that I do then we have succeeded. To me, failure is when the only way one
gets to have similar experiences is via a book outlining how things used
to be.
For me, it's all about being able to get out into the wilds and view fish
in their natural habitats. I love nothing better than sitting on the
banks of Cooper Creek fishing or pulling a seine net, or being in the
Victorian highlands watching Galaxias fuscus. I wouldn't sit by the same
stream and watch trout knowing it was supposed to be G. fusucs habitat.
Part of my whole reason for despising exotic fish is that in the south
western US you can't go out and watch natural fish populations. Most
streams have been altered, exotic fishes are everywhere and they dominate
fish populations and several native species populations are based
primarily on reintroduced populations. It really sucks, but if that's
all we can do then I'd rather go out and watch captive raised razorback
suckers in the wild than to only be able to look at museum specimens.
> Is it the functioning of an ecosystem in a manner
> that is suitable to human survival. What defines a functioning ecosystem?
What is a functioning ecosystem? Show me one that no longer
functions. Functions are a human artifact. Nutrient cycling and
energy flow still continue irrespective of what anyone does to an
ecosystem. The numbers change but the processes don't really change.
Now I'll bet you really feel you have a much better handle on things. :-)
Tootles
Peter Unmack