> >I really don't know, I'm sure though it has decreased the numbers of
> >those prohibited species relative to before the ban.
>
> Peter, Peter, I'm terribly, terribly disappointed. You're just like the rest
> of the uninformed Academics when it comes to the Australian aquarium hobby
> and what is really out there, even Mulder & Scully would be surprised.
> Perhaps you've been away too long?
My comment above was specifically refering to South Australia only, not
the country as a whole.
> I would estimate from my knowledge and contacts that the number of
> prohibited species has more than quadrupled (actually, its probably even a
> lot higher than that) since that legislation was introduced. The last 5
> years has seen a plethora of prohibited species entering Australia. Had the
Yes, but this is primarily bacause once they are brought illegally into
the country they can be kept legally. You just hightlighted the whole
hypocrasy of this issue that the goverment is apparently trying to
address. There is no negative incentive to prevent illegal importation.
The situation really needs some clarification to help the industry,
otherwise how can commercial folks like Bruce Sambell invest $$ in
species that entered the country illegally and maybe banned at a later
point. I'm sure he would at least sleep at night better with some firm
ground to build his business on unlike the present situation.
> You would be truly amazed to find what you can get if you are
> willing to pay the money!
And that will always be the case no matter what.
> The Government will need an army of Fish Police
> to raid every home in Australia that has prohibited aquarium species. The
> popular bristle-nose catfish is one that comes to mind. This species is sold
> by the thousands every day of the week in hundreds of pet stores right
> around the Country, yet is a prohibited species.
So what's the answer Adrian? Lets say a particular species is a
prohibited import and everyone largely agrees that they would survive and
do quite fine in the Australian environment. It is regularly traded by a
number of hobbyists. How do we resolve that situation? Obviously they
can't just make possession illegal as it could not be enforced and could
well lead to people releasing them anyway. But, should the situation be
left to continue unaddressed with the fish eventually getting out into the
wild anyway?
Hooroo
Peter J Unmack peter.unmack at asu.edu
PO Box 1454
Tempe AZ 85280-1454, USA
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DESERT FISHES RULE: To boldly thrive where no other fish can make it!
Australian desert fishes pages at ozdesertfish.base.org (don't forget to
visit the Desert Fishes Council pages too)
Native Fish Australia pages at www.nativefish.asn.au
North American Native Fishes Association at www.nanfa.org