Lionfish update

[PeterIMA]

Dizzy, I find your comments rather confusing. I like you have not had any time to carefully read the draft legislation (HR 669). However, it does not appear to me to be concerned about sustainability of harvesting in the country of origin. It is concerned about ecological impacts of exotic organisms that are released or escape into the wild in the USA.

I also disagree that this bill is not about what can be imported (as someone else stated). It is about what can be imported and what can be sold (both). But, the primary means of regulating the trade would be by not allowing the importation of certain species that are deemed to be harmful.

One aspect that needs to be considered is what level of evidence does one need to provide to demonstrate that a species is not harmful and hence can be added to the list of "acceptable" species? Assuming that the law passed and is interpreted in a reasonable manner, I would assume that most species presently in the trade would make it onto the acceptable list; since they have been imported and kept by hobbyists for an extended period with no harmful impacts.

However, I fear that this law could be misused either by law enforcement agencies or by groups hostile to the pet trade. Environmental groups or animal rights groups could lobby to not allow many species to be placed on the acceptable list. I guess it becomes a question of who needs to provide the evidence (scientific studies?) that something is potentially harmful or not? Would it be those against its importation and/or sale or those who are in the trade who believe it is not harmful?

Peter

 

[PeterIMA]

Spawner, I tend to agree with your concerns. I should also note that the legislation also mentions adding organisms to the clean list like crustaceans, molluscs, and coelenterates. Some of these are difficult to classify. If something does not have a species name (just a genus name) how would one import it?

The draft also discusses the threat of pathogens. When does something become a pathogen? Bacteria or fungi can be pathogens when they get out of hand. But, usually they are present and are not harmful. It probably is impossible to sterilize everything (like fish or live rock) being imported to prevent the importation of organisms that "might" become pathogens. This also depends on whether pathogens could escape and affect native species.

 

[spawner]

Well as I said earlier buy a lease for Florida live rock. I think that their will be some modifications. But I was told that a group is trying to get the laws written on the model of the some of the wild bird rules. I also I think that you will see several more bills coming down the pipe.

If they hobby would be a bit more proactive it might give some congressman pause about writing a bunch of new laws.

Honestly how many of you think that USFW really knows what comes in to the country at the present time anyway. The reporting system is not useful and only bureaucratic in its current state.

 

[dizzy]

What are the main problems that birds have brought into the country?

 

[dizzy]

But I was told that a group is trying to get the laws written on the model of the some of the wild bird rules. I also I think that you will see several more bills coming down the pipe.

The bird model is more about sustainability issues than introduced pests issues.

http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/WBCA.pdf

§ 4901. Findings
The Congress finds the following:
(1) In addition to habitat loss and local use, the international pet trade in wild-caught exotic birds is
contributing to the decline of species in the wild, and the mortality associated with the trade remains
unacceptably high.
(2) The United States, as the world’s largest importer of exotic birds and as a Party to the Convention, should
play a substantial role in finding effective solutions to these problems, including assisting countries of origin in
implementing programs of wild bird conservation, and ensuring that the market in the United States for exotic
birds does not operate to the detriment of the survival of species in the wild.
(3) Sustainable utilization of exotic birds has the potential to create economic value in them and their
habitats, which will contribute to their conservation and promote the maintenance of biological diversity
generally.

 

[spawner]

But I was told that a group is trying to get the laws written on the model of the some of the wild bird rules. I also I think that you will see several more bills coming down the pipe.

The bird model is more about sustainability issues than introduced pests issues.

http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/WBCA.pdf

§ 4901. Findings
The Congress finds the following:
(1) In addition to habitat loss and local use, the international pet trade in wild-caught exotic birds is
contributing to the decline of species in the wild, and the mortality associated with the trade remains
unacceptably high.
(2) The United States, as the world’s largest importer of exotic birds and as a Party to the Convention, should
play a substantial role in finding effective solutions to these problems, including assisting countries of origin in
implementing programs of wild bird conservation, and ensuring that the market in the United States for exotic
birds does not operate to the detriment of the survival of species in the wild.
(3) Sustainable utilization of exotic birds has the potential to create economic value in them and their
habitats, which will contribute to their conservation and promote the maintenance of biological diversity
generally.

How is the import business for wild birds?

 

[dizzy]

How is the import business for wild birds?

Pretty much totally shutdown, as far as the pet business is concerned. Do you think this is where the marine ornamentals business is headed? Sounds pretty serious.