Rare Molucca Damsel (2)

[cek1313]

I collected these two beautiful damsels myself from the caribbean but for the same unfortunate reason I had to give away my Niger and Orange Tail Damsel, these two are a bit aggressive and would do well on their own in a fish only tank or even a reef tank. They are extremely healthy (I have had them over a year) and about 2" long. I have never seen them for sale at LFS or online. Any reasonable offer will be entertained but I would love to trade for any small frags, polyps or zooanthids. Feel free to call or PM me and thank you.

 

[ReeferRyan]

PM sent

 

[cek1313]

By the way, there is a similiar species--Stegastes simsiang also sometimes called the Molucca Damsel that is found throughout the Indonesian West Pacific. If anyone has seen these in a LFS or online, feel free to let me know as I am curious. Thanks.

 

[cek1313]

Both Sold. Thanks everyone!

 

[captbunzo]

Is collecting in the Carribean legal, without permits? If not, we might be careful about discussing that here. Don't want to get anyone from the Reef Central staff either upset or in trouble.

 

[cek1313]

Thanks for the inquiry. In order to collect, a written permit is required by the Government of the United states Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI 00840. It is a detailed form that requires both the scientific name, common name and number of species (there limits) intended to be collected as well as intentions with said species. Once submitted, the process takes approximately 30 days. I received notification of approval and of course took this with me. To import the species in to the United States, U.S. Customs requires a form 3-177 (obtained from the USDA in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife) which details the scientific names, common names and number of species brought in. There is no charge for either of these documents but approval is absolutely needed. Thank you for the question through because in my opinion, collecting should only be done for educational/research purposes (I am currently a graduate student) and all necessary information should be collected 30 days prior to the intended dates of collection. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask as I have done much research with regard to collection outside of the USA or in US territories. Regards, Eric

 

[captbunzo]

Thank you for the excellent response!

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6875671#post6875671 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by schlecht13
Thanks for the inquiry. In order to collect, a written permit is required by the Government of the United states Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI 00840. It is a detailed form that requires both the scientific name, common name and number of species (there limits) intended to be collected as well as intentions with said species. Once submitted, the process takes approximately 30 days. I received notification of approval and of course took this with me. To import the species in to the United States, U.S. Customs requires a form 3-177 (obtained from the USDA in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife) which details the scientific names, common names and number of species brought in. There is no charge for either of these documents but approval is absolutely needed. Thank you for the question through because in my opinion, collecting should only be done for educational/research purposes (I am currently a graduate student) and all necessary information should be collected 30 days prior to the intended dates of collection. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask as I have done much research with regard to collection outside of the USA or in US territories. Regards, Eric

GREAT information posted there. This is asked too often in other boards. Also, will you clarify this for me? Is it legal to collect from US/Caribbean waters as long as you do not collect in or pass through protected sanctuary waters?

 

[cek1313]

Yes it is legal provided that a permit is obtained from the above department. Without a permit, collecting is not advisable as you will need to show the permit before departure at the U.S. Customs station to show what you collected was approved. The 2nd form is solely for importation of fish/inverts from any country and you will need 3 copies with you. The followong website is an excellent source of info should you choose to fish in the USVI. http://www.vifishandwildlife.com Also as far as US waters are concerned, (Florida etc.) each state has its own rules for "recreational harvesting". I will provide a few links below which will help clarify this. Thanks again as I know this is often sought after information that is difficult to come by.

USVI: http://www.vifishandwildlife.com/
Florida: http://myfwc.com/marine/recreational/recharvestmls.htm
British Virgin Islands: http://www.bvitourism.com/useful-information
Mexico: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/
St. Lucia: http://www.slumaffe.org/Fisheries_Department/Fisheries_Regulations/fisheries_regulations.html

I hope this helps and again I highly recommend all necessary paperwork be applied for and completed 30 days prior to departure (from experience!). Thanks and again feel free to contact me directly if you have questions about any specifics. Regards, Eric