John,
You're starting to sound like you have left the MAC camp and joined forces with Wayne Ryan. :?
There may be perceived value issues involved here. Diehard reefers aside, the general public may not be able to look at that little 2" frag, and equate it to being worth $30-40. Americans tend to want instant gratification. There is really no evidence that shutting down the harvest of live marine animals for the aquarium trade will prolong the life of the reefs. While it might be good for aquaculture companies, it might cause a serious decline in the growth of the marine hobby. The whole industry might collapse. Only a fool would fail to realize that a ban on wild marinelife would have a very negative on the fishers who collect for a living. It seems to me that when we reach the point where the ocean can no longer sustain a reasonable harvest of marine animals, then we will probably have much more important things to concern ourselves with, than where will we get our frags.
I think aquaculture is a wonderful thing. We are certainly trying to do our part here at our store. You wouldn't believe the amount of time we devote to it above and beyond our normal overwork load. In spite of this I must admit to having mixed emotions. Although I support those who are trying to make a living at aquaculture, I hope their success doesn't come at the expense of the fisherfolk. I completely agree with the MAC that it would be best if large scale aquaculture took place in the countries of origin.
