It's a GOOD Post Ryan.
Thanks.
Good information to remember and keep in mind.
As others may say as well, I wouldn't suggest people blow it out of proportion and worry about it too much. Continue enjoying the hobby.
However, don't discount it either. Anything is possible. Who knows what the future will bring. Good, Bad or a mix of both.
But one thing that IS for sure, there are senators, reps, and others in government that have been on point, "trying" to work toward and "suggesting" the halt of collection for quite some time. Some proposals for certain "bills" have circulated on the net. Some of them have certainly been unfair looking even for the captive "aquacultured" market. Which would suck for the hobby if ever approved.
I'm not against marine "conservation" if it really needs to be done.
However, I am against things that would possibly be imposed that may be go too far.
You have to remember one thing, our hobby has to do with an extremely sensitive area in the world that multiple nations, conservationists, biologists, governments, and companies in big business(fishing & oil) constantly meet and argue over on. As far as what we humans are doing there.
Steve Tyree and others in the industry have been concerned about it.
Besides the numerous corals he provides and "aquacultures" on farms,
Tyree has been trying for quite some time to more perfect the aquaculture of several other more difficult & harder to manage species, which he as of yet does NOT regularly offer for sale. The idea is to "farm" as much as possible and limit the takings from the wild.
However, some "rules" that could come up, may hurt Steve's business.
Not guaranteed. But certainly possible.
Not worth freaking out over. But something we all should be concerned about. We don't want to hurt the natural world. But a good balance of being able to enjoy a captive hobby and still regulate health for the ocean is the best solution. However, when you involve certain activists and government officials it can go over board in some cases and create a bad situation with more bad laws that go too far.
It's not the first time the government has interfered with certain activities and rights we have in certain hobbies. I believe in regulations to a point if they are sensible. But often they go overboard.
Just some examples of what government tries to do if allowed to:
There are some "fish" that were once kept by responsible people, that no longer can be- because of some that were not responsible- coupled with a government that now has a law against even possession of any in country. Yeah, the USA. Things are not invasive species as long as they are properly kept by responsible people.
Also, I'm not much of an active hunter even though my brother is. However, I'd like the right to keep my guns for life. Taking them away solves nothing. The "bad guys" are going to get guns anyhow. Just like everything else- illegally.
Government is here to "work for US" the citizens, not just their special interest pay checks. Our votes put them all in office. We should keep a watchful eye on what they all do when in as well. Just my point.
So, if anything is "passed" someday, you should be concerned with the details before it goes through.