Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of 2004

Bill H.R. 4928
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Type in the search box HR 4928
Kinda scarry,   [smiley=annoyed.gif]

J

 

Re: Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of

Hey jayson, I dont really see anything to it that has not been play for a while, unless I missed something it jut looks like a money grab for government??

what do you see that is worrisome??

Mike

 

Re: Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of

This part worried me,  But I will admit I have not read the entire thing nor have I looked at the Act that failed in 2000.  Also I'm In Canada so other than a few retails most Corals in Canada come direct from the collection site.

Taken directly from the Web site in the first post.  Context not intaked

(a) In General- Subject to section 4, it is unlawful for any person to--

(1) take any covered coral reef species within waters under the jurisdiction of the United States;

(2) import into or export from the United States any covered coral reef species;

(3) possess, sell, purchase, deliver, carry, transport, or receive in interstate or foreign commerce any covered coral reef species taken or imported in violation of paragraphs (1) or (2); or

(4) attempt to commit any act described in paragraphs (1) through (3

 

Re: Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of

I personally think a lot of restrictions on what we import will happen inevitably if they aren't already. Just a hunch based on the increasing popularity of our hobby. I think frags and captive breeding are the future meat and potatoes so to speak.

Interesting exceptions on this one:

 

Re: Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of

I agree with you Matt. Also may apply to trying to minimize the introduction of non-native species into reefs around the world. Kind of like the caulerpa problem on the west coast.

 

Re: Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of

Good point Craig.

 

Re: Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of

Yea I see this as just a money grab by govermental agencies. I have not gone into the absolute fine print but it sounds like the regs that are already in place.
Basically it is say that you cannot import or export any coral/fish/so on that are on the cities ban list and can only import and export based on the cities quota plan. Which is OK and should be in place, but really doesnt cover anything that is not in place. We get the vast majority of our corals and so on from countries that are all already covered under the cites rules, so saying that we can import it really doesnt pertain as they cant export it anyway???? and if they do they lose thier cities and then all the nations that are in cites cant allow it in the country.
I think this bill is just a re-afermation of an existing cities charter. Couple of years ago Figi lost its cites over a paper work issue. all countries except the US ban import. I think this is to make sure that doesnt happen again. But I would say the biggest reason we are seeing this bill come through the govi is for the last section of the bill out line. Take a peek at that one and the picture gets a little clearer.

Appropreations......rofl


Mike

 

Re: Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of

I guess I shoulda posted this last week when it came to light, huh?

You all should read it in depth a wee bit more. As written, the entire WC trade would be shut down (No science based sustainability studies currently, except for Baja Mexico). Without that trade, 50% of all the smaller dry good dealers and 80 or more % of LFS would be outa business in less then a year . I give the wholesalers even less then that. The trade will exist, but, not in any fashion as anyone is used to. The over all trade will shrink, and the major dry good dealers and manufacturers won't be able to sustain they're buying powers and economy of scale they enjoy. As a result of that, they two will shrink and prices will go WAY up.

I favor the "over all" intent of the bill, but I feel its poorly written. The trade as a whole has no defense to this as it is guilty as h$ll. This bill won't go anyplace this year, but we are now on the radars of the legislators. There is a sister bill in the works for the other branch (senator Akaka in authorring that one). If there was ever a time for the wholesalers, manufacturers, LFS, and hobbyists to come together, this is it. We will have but one chance at this, clean up the pool, or get outa the water. I like being wet, so I want to stay in the pool and stop the kiddies yellowing it up.

There is a dark side to this legistlation and its called MAMTI. I don't have the time now, but go to www.reefs.org and give a gander at "The Industry Behind The Hobby" in the "Special Interest Forums".

 

Re: Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of

Fiji looses it's CITIES all the time.  They don't have to worry now, as the Fijian government has declared ALL exporters have to get MAC (Marine Aquarium Council) certified :. Private business being mandated as the only way to do business in Fiji, . The HR bill has similiar provisions. All must be "certified" prior to enterring the states. With one certification NGO in operation right now (by they're own handy work), who do you think will get the business. Here's a funny little bit of info. Ed Case (from HI), the author of the bill, has a sister. She's the head of the TNC (The Nature Conservisy(sp?)) in Hawaii. They're (TNC HI)address is the SAME as MAC's (Marine Aquarium Council). You see where this is going?

 

Re: Coral Reef Conservation and Protection Act of

Yea, who didnt know MAC would eventually be a part of something like this. On the studies aspect they are constantly refering to cites, would they not continue to follow the guidlines and quotas layut by them??

Mike