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Continued from Page 1
Dateline:
11/12/99
When asked if the proposal had been signed into Law by the Governor as to date, Dr. Walsh said:
"It has not yet been signed, as it has to still be reviewed by the Attorney General's office prior to being sent off to the Governor. We anticipate that the effective date of the rule will be close to the beginning of the millennium. Yikes that sounds strange!"Asking Dr. Walsh if there was any other input he would like to include, he stated:
"There's a lot I'd like to talk about with regard to the research that is already underway to determine not only the effectiveness of closed areas (for collecting specifically and in general), but also to gain a basic biological understanding of the near shore reef environment. I think a great place to get a feel for what's going on is at our Hawai'i Coral Reef Network web site."
We also got phone confirmation from Paul Holthus of MAC (Marine Aquarium Council), and David Gulko of DAR (Department of Aquatic Resources), both being in agreement of the proposed new preserve areas.
There has been much controversy and concern from nature divers, commercial dive charters, and responsible fish collectors about the over fishing of ornamental marine fishes on the Kona Coast for many years now. As you can see, steps are being taken to preserve, study, and protect our Hawaiian reef resources, while still allowing the collection of fishes in certain areas. Through respect, education and actions, if the reefs are harvested properly it can continue to allow fisher persons to make a sustainable living, fish stores to maintain their businesses, aquarists to enjoy a small part of marine life in their aquariums, and keep our ocean's reefs flourishing.
We appeal to fish collectors world wide to use common sense, practice responsible fish collecting methods, and respect our ocean's resources. We feel that by doing these things now, over time the fish aquarium industry doom and gloom, raping the reef label can be lifted, hopefully leading to ocean nature lovers, fisher persons, and marine aquarists to stand side by side, in a mutual peace.
Do you have a comment about this topic? Post your message on the Saltwater Aquariums Bulletin Board and share it.
Happy, Respectful, Fish & Reef Keeping.
Debbie & Stan Hauter
Your About.com Saltwater Aquariums Guides
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Yellow Tang image created by Debbie Hauter
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