Post by jonv on Apr 2, 2009 10:27:07 GMT -5
While potentially this could expand far beyond African cichlids, I found this in NY cichlids and is apparently also brought to the attention of Monster Fish Keepers as well. I feel this would be worth while to share with everyone here.
Please be aware that there is a Congressional Hearing happening on April 23, 2009 which pertains largely to our hobby. This hearing is on the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act, HR 669, a bill which wishes to revamp how species are regulated under the Lacey Act. Species not appearing on the “Approved List” could not be imported into the United States; therefore, all unapproved nonnative species could not be moved interstate. In addition, trade in all such unlisted species would
come to a halt – possession would be limited and all breeding would cease. Unless those species are included on the approved list import, export, transport, and breeding would be prohibited. Exceptions are limited and would not be available to pet owners across the nation.
A HEARING has been scheduled for April 23 and the pet industry needs to be heard load and clear prior to the hearing! The anti-trade elements are hard at work to stop activities involving non-native species.
You can contact members of the subcommitte by emailing or faxing your opposition to HR 669 to their offices in Washington DC urging them to amend the bill. You can also contact district offices to voice your oppositon or request a meeting with your Representative. It is also important to organize like-minded people in your district so several of you can visit with your representative at the same time.
Spread the word to fellow hobbyists, friends, family, and like-minded individuals and urge them to respond to this unworkable approach which is an issue for all of us. Call, email, and fax your local newspapers or tv stations. We need to get the word out.
More details can be found at the following link on
AC: www.aquariacentral.com/forums...d.php?t=188837
AC Petition : www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86144566696
MFK: www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...d.php?t=230852
MFK Petition : www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...d.php?t=230948
A group has also been formed on Facebook at the following --> www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86144566696
Take the time, show your support, make your voice heard to protect our hobby.
I made a follow up post saying thank you for bringing that to everyone's attention but as well, I'd like to know if there is a way to get an idea of just what species are being considered as invasive. I think some good counter points that can be made to this proposal is that 1, many of the species the African cichlid hobbyists keep are ICUN listed for endangered, critically endangered or extinct in it's natural habitat, and something like this could damage the efforts to save species like this, and that 2, correct me anyone if I am wrong in this assumption, but the US climate is far from tropical outside of like say Southern California, the Southwest areas, Texas and like Florida, such that about 2/3rds of the states and land mass, wouldn't support any species put into our natural waters during the winter time.
Please be aware that there is a Congressional Hearing happening on April 23, 2009 which pertains largely to our hobby. This hearing is on the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act, HR 669, a bill which wishes to revamp how species are regulated under the Lacey Act. Species not appearing on the “Approved List” could not be imported into the United States; therefore, all unapproved nonnative species could not be moved interstate. In addition, trade in all such unlisted species would
come to a halt – possession would be limited and all breeding would cease. Unless those species are included on the approved list import, export, transport, and breeding would be prohibited. Exceptions are limited and would not be available to pet owners across the nation.
A HEARING has been scheduled for April 23 and the pet industry needs to be heard load and clear prior to the hearing! The anti-trade elements are hard at work to stop activities involving non-native species.
You can contact members of the subcommitte by emailing or faxing your opposition to HR 669 to their offices in Washington DC urging them to amend the bill. You can also contact district offices to voice your oppositon or request a meeting with your Representative. It is also important to organize like-minded people in your district so several of you can visit with your representative at the same time.
Spread the word to fellow hobbyists, friends, family, and like-minded individuals and urge them to respond to this unworkable approach which is an issue for all of us. Call, email, and fax your local newspapers or tv stations. We need to get the word out.
More details can be found at the following link on
AC: www.aquariacentral.com/forums...d.php?t=188837
AC Petition : www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86144566696
MFK: www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...d.php?t=230852
MFK Petition : www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...d.php?t=230948
A group has also been formed on Facebook at the following --> www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86144566696
Take the time, show your support, make your voice heard to protect our hobby.
I made a follow up post saying thank you for bringing that to everyone's attention but as well, I'd like to know if there is a way to get an idea of just what species are being considered as invasive. I think some good counter points that can be made to this proposal is that 1, many of the species the African cichlid hobbyists keep are ICUN listed for endangered, critically endangered or extinct in it's natural habitat, and something like this could damage the efforts to save species like this, and that 2, correct me anyone if I am wrong in this assumption, but the US climate is far from tropical outside of like say Southern California, the Southwest areas, Texas and like Florida, such that about 2/3rds of the states and land mass, wouldn't support any species put into our natural waters during the winter time.
