Titansfan,
The bulk of the pressure will be applied by animal extremists groups. This has already happened with dogs and cats. I fully support measures to ensure safety and humane treatment of all animals including fish and coral, but it must be within reason. As the costs increase, the profits decrease and the viability to comply with regulations and public sentiment becomes less appealing for the shippers. In other words, it is not worth their efforts.
There will also be pressure on the local fish stores to keep livestock in quality conditions. Naturally they should, but my opinion is that at some point the USDA or other organizations will police the stores.
These types of political issues should be the focus of all in the community of handling livestock. What is lacking is such an organization of community. AMDA is and will continue to be a failure since it creates a division within the industry.
I do not have the answer but I do not like the idea government intervention or shipper despair. I guess if AMDA or another organization cannot come to the forefront then we will have to settle for the alternatives.
I do not think that there is imminent worry but the stoppage of shipping has been discussed.
As a first step I would join your local Reef Club and support MASNA. This helps create a unified voice for the hobbyist. MASNA is outstanding in my opinion. Support Reef Central as well, they are a great community.
I will be your voice on the political side as I have contacts within FedEX, the AVMA and the Center for Zoonotic diseases. I am also licensed by the USDA in the area of the interstate transfer of animals. I am a member of the AVMA. Additionally, I am licensed by the Drug Enforcement Agency in Narcotics. Not sure how that will help but it shows credibility. Nothing concrete here but I can provide an educated and rational opinion for those agencies willing to listen.
There is no need to panic as a hobby but better to be proactive than reactive.
Thanks, Race Foster, D.V.M.