Perhaps this is one area that ANGFA has rallied enough. THis could be a key
area to apply pressure on those policy makers and legislatures who control
the fish breeding industry. Management of an area with licsences should not
be that difficult. The difficulties apply to the individuals and you can
only really educate these people. Perhaps all aquarium trade fish should be
sterile. The majority of fish keepers in Aust. would never even contemplate
breeding fish. Those that did want to breed might have to apply for a permit
and aquire fish in a special means eg a network. At least this way someone
may be able to be held accountable.
>Yes, but, the more they pay for them the more likely they are not to let
>them go. And also, desirability has to eventually wane when the
>penalites reach some critical threshold. How many folks do you know who
>have kept pirana in the last few years in Australia? Would you keep an
>illegal fish if the penalty was $100,000 or more? Would anyone on the
>list keep any illegal fish if the penalty was that high? Does anyone know
>what the current penalties are?
Two points here: 1) High prices do not prevent breeding of that particular
fish and subsequent releases into the wild. I agree with Bruce that a dollar
sign only promotes interest. Half of our natural wonders are preserved
purely on the basis of economics. Look what money has done to the Elephant
and Gorilla. Perhaps a better strategy would be to try and generate greater
interest in native/endemic fish to distract from the NG cousins?????
2) There are well established bodies interested in the welfare of native
fishes so where are they? I dont see ANGFA being a strong community voice.
Perhaps these sorts of clubs should look at why they exist rather than
having little tea meetings trading fish (I know that was harsh but really!).
For that matter not even the official bodies really do any educating/publicity.
>perspectives, opinions, and information worth sharing. Makes me wonder
>why the hell I bother trying to contribute when no one else does......
Well done Peter, provacation works.
Andrew H
Adelaide