Australian/Tongan import restrictions

[cee]

Just to echo what I said earlier in another thread about Australian shipment shutting down to the US (and Tonga, as it turns out)... This is a quote from RandyO in another forum (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1380526):

The Wind of Change is Blowing for our Hobby
I've received word this evening that the importation of all Coral and Rock from the Tonga Kingdom has been suspended.

Here's a copy of the email I just received.

"Effective immediately the importation of all Tongan Rock, Clams, and Corals into the US has been suspended. This directive was initiated by US Fish & Wildlife and affects all Tongan suppliers and their US Importers. Right now we do not know the future of this situation. It could be temporary, or possibly be a permanent ban. We will just have to wait and see.

This does not affect Tongan Fish. The action taken is only restricting Rock, Clams, and Corals. "



I received that email hours after this one about Australia corals.


"AUSTRALIA UPDATE:

US Fish and Wildlife has issued a new regulation a few weeks back, we just been reminded again this Sunday that we will not be able to import Australia corals if the permit does not follow the new regulation. The rule start on May 1st.
Here is the copy of the rule - see attached.

If we bring a shipment without the new changes, the whole shipment will be confiscated - there is no exception.

So wish us the best to get the CITES fixed as soon as possible. Delay for shipment coming in May 11 and May 18th until further notice.

We can only pray the supplier will be able to fix this soon. "



And I've heard there is a bill on the table somewhere that would start to limit the collection of Hawaiian Fish.


It could be nothing, but I have a feeling it's not.

Walt Smith backs up part of it here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1381322

Times are a changin'

Dave

 

[gflat65]

I wonder how much of this is just a crack down on paperwork. I know of at least one Aussie shipment last year that was held strictly because the diver didn't renew his paperwork. The US sponsored a ban on Banggai cardinals (and withdrew after other recommendations), so someone may be looking for a change, too... If the restrictions are conservation/protection based, I'd have a hard time not supporting them. I see the issues with a complete ban, though.

 

[Angela Short]

Well, I guess I should have gotten my tonga branch last month!

 

[Flavum]

hmm I wonder if aussy acan prices will go through the roof...cant imagine them being more pricey than they already are.

ill just sit on mine and wait for when the time is right to sell mwahahahha!

 

[tangboy]

Flavum you mean frag then sell right gotta keep a mother colony around!

 

[Flavum]

I would sell the the mommas if the price was right

Id like to do some trading for some acans! I love them.

anyone else have some aussy acans? pictures plz, im going to post mine soon.

 

[themadreeferTN]

That could be good news for those who have aspirations of coral farming full time.

 

[cee]

I've got acans and micros from Japan, Australia, Indo, etc. by the hordes. Most are frags, but some are colonies, so I might be up for a trade at some point.

Dave