I have just returned from spending the best part of the day at a meeting
with the Qld Department of Natural Resources that was held to discus issues
associated with existing and potential pest aquatic plants.
The meeting generated a large number of issues and strategies that will
form the basis of a discussion paper for distribution to allow more
widespread consultation and then hopefully some more definitive legislative
measures that will be as acceptable to the industry and the hobby as
possible. When this discussion paper becomes available I hope to circulate
it as widely as possible amongst the hobby and retailers for comment as
these two groups were not well represented numerically at the meeting but
(according to official estimates) represent the largest risk sector as far
as accidental or purposeful weed/pest introduction into natural waterways.
Four priorities emerged -
1. Accreditation
2. A list of species to be traded in
3. Education
4. Policing
Sounds strangely familiar to the corresponding discussions concerning fish
doesn't it? However since the environmental and eradication costs of pest
aquatics is so astronomical a pro-active approach is the obvious way to go.
The day was notable for it's good-natured and productive discourse and I
commend the Department and personnel as well as other participants.
Bruce
Bruce Hansen, ANGFA
Check out our web site a http://www.angfa.org
Remember, "When in doubt, leave it out!"