Knowdafish;1561741; said:
Problem here is that there are no licensed breeders in the US because they're illegal to own. Whoever may say they're a licensed US breeder of asian aros is setting up either a scam or a sting.
Help To Bring Asian Aros Back To The US...
- Thread starter Oddball
- Start date
Problem here is that there are no licensed breeders in the US because they're illegal to own. Whoever may say they're a licensed US breeder of asian aros is setting up either a scam or a sting.
Ok, I havent read through all these posts, just a few, so has anyone mentioned starting some sort of petition? I mean, why not? Im sure we could get all of MFK plus some to sign it. And we have members from all 50 states on this site. If we could write letters to members of congress from all 50 states, maybe theyd listen (theyre whores for their constituents - rightfully so).
Yes, any help from puerto rico, regardless of their classification as a terroritory as a state, could not hurt. Not to be rude, but lets get back to the petition idea if we can: who thinks its a good idea? Really, thats how you get the attention of lawmakers - show that a lot of people, aka - voters, care about the issue, and then they might respond. Its a federal law that prohibits asian aros, right? Anyone know the statutory citation? Does it prohibit importation, breeding, and keeping in captivity all together? I assume it does. Anyway, anyone interested in getting a petition started, POST HERE!!! Anyone who has the statutory citation information, also please provide.
Is it even a codified federal law, or is it just a regulation governed by an administrative agency?
So few of us use the voice that we are given. We have the ability to shape the laws that govern us by choosing to let our duly elected representatives know our feelings about said laws. The petition is a great idea, but I believe all those that wish to participate, all those that are capable should be a registered voter. If you are of age and ability and not a registered voter you should make it a priority to do so as soon as possible. We can't expect our government to take us seriously if we don't take them seriously. We have to let them know we are aware of our power as voters, and are willing to exercise this right. Our petition should have our goals clearly outlined. That we as serious aquarists are not trying to contribute to the extinction of this species, but rather to further the appreciation of this creature and it's plight. It's important to note that it's not even well known that the Asian Arowana is a endangered species. This due mostly to the fact that those in the U.S. who would care are unaware of even it's existence. Knowledge is one of the most important tools in conservation and having these fish in the aquaria trade would only help further promote such knowledge. I myself was only recently made aware of this fishes status in the wild. I understand the need for legislation, but it should target those who would sell wild caught individuals. It's my belief the the fact of the arowana being completely illegal only further endangers the Arowana. The illegality of having such fish doesn't stop it's importation of wild caught specimens, but furthers it due to the animals increased value. Those hobbyist who are in the trade for exclusivity are willing to pay more and get the fish by any means including illegal means. I also believe that reputable breeders aren't willing to get involved in this as it might cost them their livelyhood. So instead the wild population is harvested for the illegal trade due to the extreme profit the seller's would obtain. So my belief is these laws actually promote this animals extinction. I believe all these points along with the signatures of registered voters could infact get the laws to change. Instead of a total ban the fish should be carefully regulated by making sure all fish sold in the U.S. are captive bred. Anyone found to be selling wild caught specimens should be heavily fined, deprived of any exporting/importing liscense as well as givensome jail time. With the cost of the Arowanas going down with it's legality so does the temptation of selling illegal specimens. When you could hope to make $6,000-$30'000 for one specimen becomes $300-$400 people will think twice about selling wild caught individuals especially with such a high price to pay and so little to gain from the risk. I also belive this petition should be given a sticky of it's own and that it should be posted in all of monsterfishkeepers forums. This issue is important to many of us who frequent other forums, myself included. I am alway's on the catfish forum , but am a avid supporter of the legalization of the Asian Arowana as I'm sure many members are. I belive this concerns all of us in the hobby for these laws may spread to fish we all appreciate if it's allowed to go unchecked. The government needs to hear us now! We must ban together as fellow hobbyists and make our voices heard.
Well said Kolstix. Youre the guy who had his gulper eat his aro, huh? Anyway, I agree, a sticky for a petition would be a good idea. Also, anyone who knows about this please chime in. The owner of a LFS near me said that some breeders tag their fish with chips, and that it doesnt hurt the fish (well, probably a little painful at first, but no risk to their health), and that this technology could lead to allowing aros in because then we would know which were really captive bred. Which is ridiculious anyways, cause anyone who knows about them knows that all the colorful aros produced by breeders are obviously not from the wild (imagine a brith RTG in the wild, would stick out like a sore thumb, probably get picked off in a day). Anyways, anyone know about this chip tagging and if its harmful to the fish, or any other aspect of it?
I've heard it mentioned plenty of times by breeders selling Asians. I think it's already being used to track the legitimicy of captive bred specimens. Allowing law enforcement to know exactly what breeding facility it was obtained from. It's also given with papers of authenticity as far as I know. I believe it's like getting a dog from a reputable breeder, you get papers proving lineage. It keeps track of the facility where it was obtained and that facility's reputation for quality. As for it being harmful to the fish technology like this is being used to track wild animals and pets like dogs. It helps track lost or stolen pets and it hasn't yet been reported as being harmful to the animals. I imagine all these things are done by the breeder. So by the time you get the Asian he/she's healed from these procedures. I think the laws regarding Asians are outdated and where never truly considered. Since it's gone unopposed nothing's been done to change the laws. That's why I think the petition is a very viable way to get the governments attention. A well organized group of registered voters with a well organized proposal would create such a impact. This can't be a 1000 person proposal since it will effect many states. We actually will need to reach out to other Forums(ie: Arofanatics and such....) and get them to participate as well. I personally am going to see about talking to a lawyer to see what it takes to get a law amended. Also as I've said before any moderators out there please seriously consider making this a sticky in all monsterfishkeepers sections. I really do believe it's a issue that concerns it all. Like I said if we don't fight this law it will become more commonplace for laws like this to be passed. Then who knows whose favorite fish might be on the chopping block next. An yeah it figure's it would take something as dumb as me making a poor decision on tankmates to make me aware of such an important issue.
Once again Kolstix, well said. I am a law student, and to get a law amended, you simply need to get the attention of the legislature. This is a federal law, so we would need to sign this petition and mail it to Congress-men-and-women from all 50 states along with letters from their constituency. These people care about voters, and will do anything (within reason most of the time) to keep their voters happy, so if we can just show that there are a lot of us and that we will consider this when voting, and that it can be ensured that only captive bred asian arowanas will be sold, then this could really happen. Bad news, however, is that Congress moves at a snails pace, and this will probably take a couple years to take effect - especially because there are much more important things which demand the attention of the Legislature. The petition and letters to your state representatives is the way to start though.
