A collaborative approach to managing the invasion potential of aquarium species

[armthehomeless]

While this is a good Idea and might work or might not, It is appointed towards retail stores, correct? They might have to follow these guild lines if this law was passed to keep there business license. However.. What about the "under the table" retailers, As in people that breed and sell fish out of there house as a second source of income or even Only source. Mike here is college station I think is a perfect example of this. Of course we all know he doesn't deal with any of the "monsters" to my knowledge, but there is people out there just like him, that are running a small business out of there garage. I'm sure most of the Vendors on MFK are these people. Anyway, my point is that nobody is going to tell them what they can and cant sell if they are doing it under the table.

I'm not trying to be negative about this in any way, nor am I trying to offend anybody, just trowing out examples of this situation, and stating my thoughts about this topic.

I've got nothing wrong with monster fish keepers . . . they keep their fish and don't toss them into the ditch behing the house. What I think all this is geared toward is people getting a pacu and a ten gallon tank and Walmart . . .

[Sea-agg09]

I like Tim's idea. It definitely has the right idea in mind. The problem is that it get's complicated, and puts restrictions on retailers, specifically large chains.

If this was a perfect world, people would see that this is a good thing and legislators would pass it in a heartbeat. The problem is that our conservative legislature is going to see this as a government control placed on business, and is going to cause a ton of problems.

In the current system we have, we need to make a blanket law and stick to it.

Ban the Pacu, Common Pleco, Giraffe catfish, and call it a day. Clown knifes, redtail catfish, sawfin catfish, and others could be put on that list as well.

While "monster fish keepers" are reputable fish keepers, I think they will understand that 98% of the animals go to uncaring homes.

[rgonzales]

No fish should be flat out banned because once that starts soon a lot others will be added to that list, education is the key in making people understand fish are not a disposable pet and that common plecos do not clean your tank like most think

[Sea-agg09]

No fish should be flat out banned because once that starts soon a lot others will be added to that list, education is the key in making people understand fish are not a disposable pet and that common plecos do not clean your tank like most think

1. The people that sell the fish don't know, so there is no way to educate the people. As experienced hobbists and legit retailers, we have tried to educate people on these common issues for many years, and we are still having the same issue.

2. The whole point is that other fish can be added to the list. Parks and wildlife are not going ban things that are not having a large effect on the environment. Enforcement is too difficult as it is, so they are not going to make things more difficult than they already are.

[danielp]

If another meeting like this happens i would very much so like to participate.

[justdoit]

My main objective for attending the meeting was that one more time rules/laws were being considered in banning certain species of fish.
This group doing the research has not as yet made conclusions as to what action will happen. The data they have gathered but if not given workable possiblites will most surely push toward an easy out banning of these species
The facts were there that when these species were mishandled & released that there is an environmental impact. Data showed majority of offenders to have purchased from the big 3 stores. Those stores are buying the same varity of species from their chosen vendors list repeatedly. Be the stores lack of knowledge as to what makes a suitable pet to inexperienced or 1st time buyers or the buyers implulse purchase or the suppliers easy cash crop doesn't matter if it gets these banned as that is an opening to expand list at will.
ALL suppliers / stores / owners need to be put on same page. Fish CAN be owned with this stipulation --
Permits / yearly fees / fine if not complied with.
It is done w/ native wildlife (whitetail deer) /exotic mammals/ exotic birds
Permits/fee -- you have an ability to maintain the needs of the species, fee is generally small renewed yearly for the hobbyist
Applies at differing levels with supplier /vendor
Monster fish owners I have known generally are not huge into breeding as much as maintaing their livestock due mostly lack of space.
We are in a much smaller world than some would like to believe. The garage breeder can go on doing just what they are doing but pick something worthwhile they can profit from that's not on the list. The list was not shown to us in it's full content and will vary as data is compiled in the future.
They don't even have solutions on how to eradicate fish from waters that are already in place BUT know that adding to the problem with more of those fish cannot continue.
Please get ideas of yours in writing so they can be forwarded to this group. Even variations of ideas you have heard on this thread. The more they have to choose from the better. Also reasons other ideas are not good ones. Explain it so they can visualize your point
Know they are lurking the Box & hopefully keeping tabs on this thread to see your concerns
Come on Boxers let's hear from you. In the end the results will effect all of us who love our hobby.
My ideas are just that mine and what I have encountered through personal & business past experiences
I didn't find them unreasonable mainly because if I wanted an animal whether as an owner or breeder in was still available
Let's hear from fish boxers !!

[armthehomeless]

Please get ideas of yours in writing so they can be forwarded to this group. Even variations of ideas you have heard on this thread. The more they have to choose from the better. Also reasons other ideas are not good ones. Explain it so they can visualize your point.
Know they are lurking the Box & hopefully keeping tabs on this thread to see your concerns.
Come on Boxers let's hear from you. In the end the results will effect all of us who love our hobby.

Well said. Several of the studies used (in part) information compiled right here on the box.