Sustainable Collection
There is currently a lot of discussion about sustainable collection of marine ornamental fishes and invertebrates. Most of this is centered in Hawai'i, specifically the west coast of the Big Island. The main opposition is by local dive operators and extreme environmentalists that are against keeping any aquatic life in aquariums.
In October 2011 a non-binding resolution was passed be the Hawai'i County Council. The full document can viewed here: http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=759951&page=1&dbid=0
Author, Ret Talbot, details the resolution in this blog post: http://www.masna.org/Blog/tabid/430/EntryId/17/Resolution-130-What-s-It-Really-All-About.aspx
Related topics can be found here: http://www.masna.org/Blog/tabid/430/BlogID/4/Default.aspx
My main concern is the amount of false and outdated information that is being taken seriously by people that don't know any better. I've been to Hawai'i many times and have spoken with people on both sides of the issue. From what I can see the fisheries in Hawaii are well regulated and managed, probably one of the best in the world.
Of course there are a few bad apples in the bunch, as you'd expect to find in any group, but they are outweighed by the majority of responsible fishermen that rely on this as their livelihood. The opposition's claims that the fishers are collecting fish in extreme numbers that will decimate local populations makes no sense... they would put themselves out of a job in no time if that was the case.
Testimony prior to the vote on this resolution was presented by scientists that had studied the situation and found the current regulations to be working and that this legislation was not necessary. Unfortunately, those in favor of the bill used emotional scare tactics to sway the Council.
Claims by the opposition such as "...most fish die in aquariums in less than a year." are so crazy. In my case, I have a yellow tang from Hawai'i in my large tank that I got in 2006 and it's doing just fine.
Another concern of mine is the way the resolution is written it could be interpreted to outlaw captive breedng as well. On the other hand, it is perfectly legal to catch a fish and eat or kill it. You just wouldn't be able to capture a fish and sell it. Make sense?
Those opposed to the aquarium hobby believe that the hobby is immoral as a whole. While I'm totally against unsustainable, or harmful, collection practices I am all for sustainable and safe collection.
At this point the legislation is non-binding and only applies to Hawai'i county but it will be going to the state level early next year. While this may seem like a small issue, it is being watched on a national level by everyone in the aquatic pet trade and the government.