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March 25, 2008
I am graciously asking for my response to Mike Moran’s article about the missing fish to be put before the publics’ eye.
It’s not fair for special interests to make outrageous statements without solid references to verify their viewpoints. First, I want to state that all active, licensed, legal fishermen in Maui nui (there are five total; two full time, three parttime) support a scientifically founded, sustainable fishery management plan.
We already have self-imposed rules that we follow, such as rotating dive spots so that no area is fished twice a year. We also never collect breeder sizes, and only collect smaller sizes that are conducive for shipping and better for maintaining breeding populations. We never collect corallivorous fish such as exotic butterflies, as suggested; this was an archaic practice in the 80’s and has since been dropped as the “living reef” aquariums came about.
Cleaner wrasses are not collected by me, or anyone I know, even though Mike suggests that these fish are staples being shipped in high numbers. Gross overstatement. The cleaner wrasse is extremely abundant, and parasites running amuck show this man’s ignorance. I question Mr. Morans’ motives to spread hysteria without science behind him. The fish are not gone; they are there if you choose to see them.
There are reefs surrounding Maui that are in bad shape but it has nothing to do with collectors, as we do not go to these places. The reason the fish populations are in decline in these areas is anthropogenic influences and evasive algaes. There are multiple types of algae that are not native to Hawaii and they thrive in areas where runoff and pollution are dumped into the ocean. These evasive algaes are hard to control, as the Herbivorous fish such as the Yellow Tang, zebrasoma flavescens, do NOT eat these types of macroalgae!!! Again, Mike would know this if he did some research.
Another assertion is that “millions of fish” are shipped out annually, when in fact it’s less than a million, as reported by catch reports that are required by law. Why would the special interests mislead the general public? I’ll tell you why. The people pushing this bill have a vested interest with the business they run, and a grudge match that stems from an argument between a collector and a snorkel business owner.
Here is my main question: why not let DAR/DLNR finish evaluating the situation, and complete their studies? What are they afraid of? Does emotion trump science? Do we act first, think later? No. We as responsible adults do not.
This is what they are proposing we do; immediately implement the interim FRA shutting down the whole leeward side of the island, putting two companies out of business.
Aquarium collectors cannot dive North shore, as it has small craft advisories the majority of the year, and the fish there are more of the pelagic variety instead of the highly reproductive reef fish.
Did you know that almost every one of the reef fish in question have fecundity rates that show minimum population doubling in less then fifteen months? See for yourself go to www.fishbase.org and look up Yellow Tang, look up Flame Wrasse, etc. This is real data composed by real scientists such as Dr. Jack Randall, who is also an avid aquarist, not to mention the most influential ichthyologist on planet earth.
I’ll have you know that aquariums of today are nothing like their predecessors of the past. Boasting advance HID lighting systems that simulate lunar cycles and azimuth (cloud scatter), surge devices that replicate tidal cycles and waves, and aquacultured fish, corals and clams that were reproduced in captivity. These aquariums are dynamic, to say the least, and the results hobbyists and scientists alike are getting is nothing short of awesome!
Fish are not only exceeding their natural life spans, but are reproducing and giving enthusiasts an insight into a very foreign world. In captivity, the fish have it easy – steady meals, and no predators to take them out. The tank they are in is a living, growing, evolving, coral reef, not some square box with an airstone like the naysayers claim.
Again, we are not against regulations, but we are against knee jerk reactions that are based on hysteria instead of facts. We would like to openly and honestly debate these very serious issues with the supporters of this bill, as long as everyone can be openminded and objective.
Thank you very much for reading my side of the story.
Eric Koch
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