MAC Interim Director

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone.

My name is Dave Mainenti. I am the MAC interim executive director.

I am here to talk candidly about MAC and our plans going forward.

Lets try to talk clearly and respectfully towards one another.

So... fire away with your questions.


Dave

PS:i wonder if aquapuncture would really work... :lol:

Thanks for posting here!

 

[Anonymous]

A better question might be whether David Mainenti is qualiifed to lead the MAC as the Executive Director? Does he possess any experience working in the aquarium trade? Does he have any knowledge concerning collection methods, shipping methods, or with mariculture of marine organisms? Does he understand the economics through the chain of custody particularly the poverty faced by the fish collectors? Does he have administrative experience involving managing employees? Does he listen to their advice (a failing of the previous Executive Director). Does someone trained in aquapuncture become sensitive to the Filipino or Indonesian cultures? Does he speak any language other than English?

Why was he chosen, when several much better qualified candidates applied for the position? Last of all, I am told this position is not "Interim", so my question is whether the trade is willing to work with such a person, who's only real qualification seems to be that he was the MAC's Finance Director for about 4 or 5 years. My understanding is that the MAC's programs have been a failure and that their finances have declined precipitously.


Peter Rubec

Hi everyone.

My name is Dave Mainenti. I am the MAC interim executive director.

I am here to talk candidly about MAC and our plans going forward.

Lets try to talk clearly and respectfully towards one another.

So... fire away with your questions.


Dave

PS:i wonder if aquapuncture would really work... :lol:

the acupuncture quip aside, i think the pertinent questions have been asked

to be honest,i'll be treating any responses from any mac personnel with a very healthy dose of skepticism-based on previous record and experience, until present/future record proves otherwise.

welcome to the frying pan!

 

[DavidM]

Dear all.

I am just here to help provide some information. I dont have all the answers. Therefore, i dont see it getting very bloody as it has in previous times. We all have to remember that MAC has attempted to take on a huge endeavor, almost unilaterally. Such a plan will never work in the long run. We need buy in from all levels, we need to be sensitive, understanding, and not all knowing. I hope we can change perceptions over the next year or so with regards to MAC and what it can actually do for this trade and industry.

As for ecommerce - it sure sounds like something we would want to get into... let me get up to speed on this as it is not something that has been talked about recently, but i agree it can not be ignored. Etail is the future - whether we like it or not.

As for some of your questions, we are still interested in live rock and coral, and we are working on finalizing a standard for mariculture and aquaculture. More importantly, however, we have to figure out how to develop a proof of concept. Its been difficult as i mentioned above - so it makes sense to involve live rock and corals in that proof of concept.

Thanks for the input. I hope more comes through here.

Regards,

Dave

 

[naesco]

Hi everyone.

My name is Dave Mainenti. I am the MAC interim executive director.

I am here to talk candidly about MAC and our plans going forward.

Lets try to talk clearly and respectfully towards one another.

So... fire away with your questions.


Dave

PS:i wonder if aquapuncture would really work... :lol:[/quote

Welcome Dave

As one of the few hobbyists and supporters of MAC on this board, I want to underline the importantance of cyanide testing being the number one priority of MAC. This was promised by the outgoing administration.
Thank you

Wayne Ryan

 

[Anonymous]

Dave, Wayne''s your man if you have any room for him in MAC Canadian Country Cordinator or something?

 

[Jaime Baquero]

"To be totally honest, its a very diffcult job that we have set up for ourselves, to step in and try to change an industry that may or may not want to change."

Dave,

Thanks for your honest responses.

Yes, I do agree it is a very difficult job, specially in the Philippines. MAC is not only trying to change an industry that may or may not want to change but also is working in a very difficult environment. Central government in the Philippines is not showing commitment neither willingness to change things around. Since day one the Filipino government has been relying on NGOs to solve problems created by the exploitation of marine ornamentals for the aquarium trade.

Corruption, lack of education and poverty are facts that do not mix when dealing with environmental issues.

Fishers have been neglected for decades, they should be on top of the priority list. They have much to offer and have response to many questions that could help to find solutions to the many problems. If you guys work closer and listen to them I am sure results will be different.

Once again thanks

 

[PeterIMA]

David,
It is not reassuring to me to find out that the MAC admits their programs have been huge failures. Steve Robinson's RDO postings and postings by others about the MAC's failures were right. The emperor truly has no clothes. Of more interest to me is to learn whether or not the MAC has workable strategies to ensure at least some success with present and future progams?

Peter Rubec

 

[naesco]

Dave, Wayne''s your man if you have any room for him in MAC Canadian Country Cordinator or something?

Canadian Country Co-ordinator would be perfect. I could ensure our reefs were in optimum condition and maybe can a stipend for the efforts, eh!

Actually, Gresh there are a number of Canadians posting on this board;
Dr. Rubec and Jaime to name a couple.

Wayne Ryan

 

[dizzy]

David,
It is not reassuring to me to find out that the MAC admits their programs have been huge failures. Steve Robinson's RDO postings and postings by others about the MAC's failures were right. The emperor truly has no clothes. Of more interest to me is to learn whether or not the MAC has workable strategies to ensure at least some success with present and future progams?

Peter Rubec

Actually for me it was very reassuring to have someone from MAC come here and speak openly and honestly. The first step in fixing a problem is to admit that you have a problem. I salute Dave for coming here and feel like he should be given a chance instead of being prejudged. Peter you make it sound like you would respect a spin job more than being told the truth.

 

[Anonymous]

David,
It is not reassuring to me to find out that the MAC admits their programs have been huge failures. Steve Robinson's RDO postings and postings by others about the MAC's failures were right. The emperor truly has no clothes. Of more interest to me is to learn whether or not the MAC has workable strategies to ensure at least some success with present and future progams?

Peter Rubec

Actually for me it was very reassuring to have someone from MAC come here and speak openly and honestly. The first step in fixing a problem is to admit that you have a problem. I salute Dave for coming here and feel like he should be given a chance instead of being prejudged. Peter you make it sound like you would respect a spin job more than being told the truth.

+1

Thanks Mitch - now I don't have to figure out a way to say what you just said.

 

[Race]

Failure, more than anything, is proof of an attempt. A much better performance than simply doing nothing. I wish the best to all involved, past and present.

 

[naesco]

I think Steve does deserve the credit for his early concerns about MAC however, the new guy deserves a fresh chance.

We have the opportunity to assist him in a positive way if we want to.

Dave, first goal post or football upright or whatever it is called. Can we get a committment from MAC to have a cyanide detection test in place by the end of the year.

Wayne Ryan

 

[Caterham]

Naesco,

Thanks so much for your contributions to this thread.

Unfortunately, with absolutely zero past or current involvement in the trade of marine ornamentals there are some folks here is this community that might take your comments somewhat lightly.

I respect your efforts and hope that you continue to stay involved. All good teams have people cheering for them on the sidelines, out of play.

Warmest regards

 

[Anonymous]

Dave, Wayne''s your man if you have any room for him in MAC Canadian Country Cordinator or something?

Canadian Country Co-ordinator would be perfect. I could ensure our reefs were in optimum condition and maybe can a stipend for the efforts, eh!

Actually, Gresh there are a number of Canadians posting on this board;
Dr. Rubec and Jaime to name a couple.

Wayne Ryan

i'm sure canada's reefs don't have much to worry about

 

[Anonymous]

Dave, Wayne''s your man if you have any room for him in MAC Canadian Country Cordinator or something?

Canadian Country Co-ordinator would be perfect. I could ensure our reefs were in optimum condition and maybe can a stipend for the efforts, eh!

Actually, Gresh there are a number of Canadians posting on this board;
Dr. Rubec and Jaime to name a couple.

Wayne Ryan

No way, Jaime and Peter are Canadians? Why.... I must have missed that fact over the last 8 years :lol:

 

[PeterIMA]

I grew up in Ottawa, Canada (across the river from Jaime).

Peter

 

[sdcfish]

Welcome Dave. Good to meet you and it's nice to see you willing to get involved here where there are many people that can contribute and shed light on the industry. I think many great suggestions have been made here and more to come.

I am one of the partners of Sea Dwelling Creatures, a MAC certified importer located in Los Angeles. I am also on the board of directors with Reef Check and look forward to making a significant improvement to our industry and environment.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Eric

 

[Anonymous]

I grew up in Ottawa, Canada (across the river from Jaime).

Peter

I knew you where from Canada, but I didn't know those details

Editted 19 times? 8O

 

[PeterIMA]

Gresh, RDO's software must be acting up. I only edited my posting once.
Peter

 

[Anonymous]

:lol: I thought 19 was a bit much