/QUOTE]The death of the hobby?! If the collection of corals from all waters was stopped immediately, it would not result in the death of the hobby. I think you need to think again before labeling others as "misguided hobbyists".
I did think again and I still think that without a trade to support the hobby that the hobby will die. I still think that hobbyists who think that the hobby can survive without the trade are "misguided". They support each other, neither will survive without the other.
Fish Dave - Let me be clear that my point is
not: "Hey guys! Lets band together and put collectors out of business!" Although after reading over the responses on this thread I'm starting to think that might be a good idea.
What I'm asking is if we should "think smaller" in regards to the coral we pluck from reefs. Sure may not be a lot of difference between a 4-inch and 5-inch acropora colony (various growth rates for different strains aside). But what about some corals that are on the minds and lips of various government agencies for being threatened? Take euphyllia paranchora for example.
If the same quantity of corals is harvested, but a smaller mass is removed, theoretically the price could stay the same. Sure, the hobbyist gets a smaller coral at the end of the day, but hey: the Earth wins.