I would like to apologize for not responding to this thread sooner but feel that it’s important to respond to some of your comments and concerns.
kdblove_99,
You are most welcome, and I am always more than happy to try and provide insight and shed some light on very complex issues like the one surrounding Banggai Cardinals. Questions such as this are something that should be discussed here in this forum section on RC as it’s important that everyone involved in this hobby can make a decision for themselves based on all of the facts.
chrissreef,
It’s great to hear your new
Halichoeres iridis is doing well, they sure are a beautiful Labrid.
DFS wrote:
"thought of Drs. Foster and Smith “boycotting†these wild harvested fish will have zero impact on the long term survival of this species, "
chrissreef replied:
- Sounds more like a business excuse to me, but that's me.
This is not a "business excuse" but rather our philosophy of paying a premium for quality fish that are harvested and handled responsibly, to protect the habitat where these fish are harvested. Enforced fisheries management plans, combined with designated marine protected areas (MPA’s) is the best way IMO to properly manage all fisheries, from food fish and shellfish, to marine ornamentals. Management plans for all of the resources on this planet, no matter what the resource or where that resource resides around the world, is critical so that its not exploited and can be sustainable for generations to come.
I also don't know how to explain why LA sells Moorish Idols. LA is well respected and should lead by example (education on the fish description, another way, boycotting, etc.
Education is the foundation of Drs. Foster and Smith, and drives our business. Encouraging customers to make an ethical decisions based on the information we provide is what we strive to do.
I try and look at the big picture when it comes to the selection of fish we offer.
Zanclus cornutus(Moorish Idol) are very abundant in Hawaii, Tahiti and Fiji in the South Pacific. The fish that we offer from these regions are collected and handled properly, and actually have a very good track record for us, or I would not offer them to anyone. These are the only locations around the world where we choose to purchase these fish from, and the limited collection of this species due to the relatively low demand in the marketplace makes them a very sustainable fishery from these regions. I cannot say the same for this species originating from the Indo Pacific or Indian Ocean, as we do not purchase this species from these regions. In my opinion the location of collection along with the handling and transport play is critical in the long term survival of this species, when the fish is finally maintained by the very experienced aquarist or biologist who provides this animal with the proper environment and proper diet.
If moving forward we all said, “It can’t be done†pertaining to successfully maintaining some of the more challenging animals that are in no way threatened in their natural habitat, the advancements and knowledge gained by both the scientific community and the hobby itself over the years would cease. This would be detrimental to the understanding and long term survival of these species in the wild from our ignorance and lack of understanding. Just think if we all said back in the late 80’s and early 90’s that it is impossible to maintain reef building stony corals (Acropora spp., Montipora spp, etc), and they were banned or put on a "List" where would coral farming, reef restoration, and the hobby be today? I value the advancements we have made together, and wish to keep moving forward in a positive and sustainable way.
DFS Wrote:
"one of the most important things we can do right now as concerned hobbyists is not boycott this species, but rather support and financially incentivize fishermen by adding value to this species, so these people in Indonesia who utilize coral reefs, will manage and protect their own resource in their own community"
chrissfreef replied:
- Unorganized obbyists are virtually powerless in influencing other countries. I would think LA would have some "pull" with their suppliers to help educate local fisherman... and I hope LA doesn't just purchase these fish from a stock list like everyone else, which does little to "incentivize" behavior change on uneducated and hungry fishermen.
I would have to disagree with you on this point. In my opinion, everyone involved in this hobby through the entire chain of custody has an impact. From the end consumer, distributor, importer, the overseas exporter, and the overseas collectors themselves can have an influence, as it all boils down to economics. Create an incentive and add value to a fish such as the Banggai Cardinals harvested in the aquarium trade, will have two main effects on the fishery, decrease demand and post harvest mortality. I remember in 1992 receiving my first Banggai when I was in the import/export business running a wholesaler in the Mid West. We paid $50.00 each FOB Jakarta for these fish when they first entered the trade. Over the course of a year the price dropped to where we were able to offer the fish to the retailer who could apply their margin to sell the animal at a retail price for around $30.00. The retail price of this fish has stayed fairly consistent for the next 10-12 years. Until recently the FOB Jakarta price from some exporters has dropped significantly from there, and has created a problem pressuring this fishery from undue elevated post harvest mortality.
As I stated previously, it is our goal, along with our supplier Quality Marine in Los Angeles California, to incentivize and add value to a pressured fish that is becoming cheaper and cheaper in the aquarium trade. Wild Banggai Cardinals are currently available from every major importer/wholesaler here in the US on a weekly basis. We choose to purchase these fish from Quality Marine, who is hands down one of the best importer/wholesalers in the United States, offering quality animals from quality supply lines and responsible industry operators. Quality Marine is one company who shares our concerns and understands the issues surrounding these fish. By working closely with their exporter who pays the fishermen well for this fish is one way to ensure that this animal is sustainably harvested due to a premium price point. Furthermore, dictating a safe quantity per box when shipping these fish from Indo to the US cuts mortality through the chain of custody and yields a better quality fish for the hobbyist.
By taking this approach we are doing our part and using our "pull" as you stated, so that the demand will decrease for this species, which adds value to this pressured species so that the fish is harvested and handled responsibly with best practices in mind. This alone will reduce the number of fish harvested and decrease post-harvest mortality. From a collector’s point of view, an Angelfish is far more valuable than a bag of yellowtail damsels. It all boils down to the value of the fish. If a catch of 25 Banggai Cardinals is worth the same amount of money as a catch of 200, and this can supply the industry because there is almost no post harvest mortality this alone will bring this fishery back to equilibrium, such was the case in the early and late 90's.
Thank you every one for you input on this controversial and sensitive subject. I look forward to continuing to forge ahead and address sensitive issues involving animals harvested for the aquarium trade. We all have an influence!
Regards,
Kevin Kohen
Director of LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster and Smith
