Dateline: 11/12/99

Further Confirmation

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, native Hawaiians, 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, respect native subsistence fishing practices, and protect 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, native inhabitants, fisher persons and marine aquarists to stand side by side, in a mutual peace.

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Happy, Respectful, Fish & Reef Keeping.
Debbie & Stan Hauter
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