Help To Bring Asian Aros Back To The US...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
So everyone is clear..... it's not the SALE of Asian Arowanas that is illegal in the U.S., it's the importation AND sale of Asian Arowanas! You can buy CITES protected animals and reptiles in the U.S. that were born and raised in the U.S. ! You just can't import them! The U.S. looks at imporatation of protected species differently then captive raised species that were born and raised in the U.S. I think the CITES laws are on the books because of irreputable sellers who can't prove the source of the animal they are selling. CITES laws exist to protect endangered species at all costs! Logic is sometimes thrown out the window in the process!
 
badisbadis101;1666485; said:
I think fish are some of the most poorly regulated group of animals in the US - the laws they have for them make no sense.

You can buy tinfoil barbs, irridescent sharks, pacu, plecos, etc, at any wal mart or petco in the US, even though these fish need tanks of at least 100 gallons as adults, which very few americans can provide, and which often either die in cramped tanks or are released to the wild.

However, such fish as piranhas and snakeheads, are banned in many states in fear of them being released, even if they pose no greater a threat to the environment than pacu and plecos.

And finally, fish like the asia arowana, which can be farmed to ease stress on wild populations, and sold, are banned because they are endangered. But so are tigers, and many other exotic animals, and they arent banned. Any american could own a tiger if he wanted, yet dedicated hobbyist cannot maintain and potentially breed captive bred arowanas? Why?

^There is my logic - we need a rewritting of most of the laws and regulations concerning tropical fish in america, especially the asian arowana, and we are the only people who care enough to promote change
Click to expand...

i'm with you all the way! the whole thing stinks of idiocy....

but let me just ask again, is this thread getting anywhere? i mean is there anyone really writing the senators or to whoever it is we're supposed to write so that these laws can be reviewed and be found stupid?:cry:
 
koltsix;1639932; said:
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 livelihood. 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 license 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 believe 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 always on the catfish forum , but am a avid supporter of the legalization of the Asian Arowana as I'm sure many members are. I believe 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.
Click to expand...


nice one....may take a couple of years for anyone to start moving this in the legislature but i think it will be worth the wait for many arowana fans in the US
 
WolfFisho1;1666869; said:
Wow someone is fired up about it! Which is good because we need people who are deicated to this and are serious about changing this! because your right the laws make no sense and must change!
Click to expand...

LOL - just stating my opinion. I am only 15, so i do not think i would be too good at righting the letter to senators or whatever, but i am sure their is someone on this site who is. And if they right it, i'll sign it :)
 
If anyones interested, heres a site with some good info on the asian aro: www.savethearowana.com. Also, I am still planning on drafting a special interest letter and starting an internet petition, but as I stated before, I will be very busy until mid-May. I plan on setting aside some time to work on this project around then. Ill let you guys know if it works out. If not, sorry in advance, but I think it shouldnt be a problem.
 
wizzin;1731786; said:
We're still working on this. We've made some huge progress recently. There have been a few FWS meetings held to discuss this specifically. It's looking very good. Thanks for the support to those who have helped on this!
Click to expand...

that's very good to hear!:headbang2
 
if the govt. could just charge like 100 or 200 dollars for each permit for personal/pet use that would be alot of revenue and i would def. be willing to pay that price if i could have an azn aro

just my two cents
 
prm;1942637; said:
if the govt. could just charge like 100 or 200 dollars for each permit for personal/pet use that would be alot of revenue and i would def. be willing to pay that price if i could have an azn aro

just my two cents
Click to expand...

That's essentially what we're working on. Still.... The USF&WS already charges $100 for the permit processing, so there will be additional "fees" charged on top of that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom