I just wanted to point out that such permits are not difficult to get.
You just need to get and fill out the proper paper work. Hand carried
small quantities can be brought in quite easily with little fuss. If
it was difficult, you would never see the numbers of fish that come in
daily to the US.
On the topic of introduced species, yes there has been numerous
problems with the release of non-native species all across the
country. But to blame the problem on aquarists, is to blame the wrong
party. Most of these unwanted releases have occurred via government
action and commercial ventures. A couple of big ones being the release
of gambusia and other live bearing fish to control misquotes. And the
exchange of ballast water in freshwater by commercial shipping has
also introduced numerous freshwater species into our great lakes and
rivers. Yes the aquarist has also caused some problems, but most and
our biggest problems have not been on their shoulders.
Cary Hostrawser
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