Permits for keeping endangered species

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
C

ColdwaterCreekGuide

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 21, 2007
164
1
0
Alabama
www.myspace.com
I was wondering how hard it would be, or if it would even be possible to get a permit to try to breed an endangered species in Alabama. The species I had in mind is Cottus Paulus, or the Pygmy Sculpin. I live very near the only location they exist, and I have studied and observed their behavior in the wild to great extent, and was just pondering if such a permit exists to allow capture of a breeding pair. I feel that the spring run is in jeopardy of pollution from the newly built and highly traveled 4 lane bypass that runs parallel to the creek. Every day I see large trucks transporting various harmful products that inexplicably threaten this species. Just today I witnessed a city waste truck flying down the road with styrofoam debris flying everywhere. I'm talking millions of tiny white balls bouncing all over the bridge over a creek that flows right into their only habitat. Not to mention litter and trash from inconsiderate people all over the place. All this takes place frighteningly close to the only place in the world this species exists. If I had the species in a properly setup aquarium, I could document all the information about their breeding habits, and learn how to give them a better chance at surviving this onslaught of stupidity.

Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely, Jon Hanson
 
I would try contacting professors at any local university. I did a little research for you and found an associate professor who specializes in [FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Ichthyology at Auburn. His name is Jonathan W. Armbruster try emailing him at [/FONT]armbrjw@mail.auburn.edu [FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif] From his site it looks like he does a lot with SA fish, but I'm sure that he knows people who are local specialists. In most states you can gain these types of permits if you can prove it's for educational purposes. I think that cooperating with a University would be your best bet. If you don't hear from him do a similar search at the major Alabama University you would know what they are better than me. Email the department head if you can find that info most of the time the universities list that info.
[/FONT]
 
Mystus Redtail;1366707; said:
I would try contacting professors at any local university. I did a little research for you and found an associate professor who specializes in [FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Ichthyology at Auburn. His name is Jonathan W. Armbruster try emailing him at [/FONT]armbrjw@mail.auburn.edu [FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif] From his site it looks like he does a lot with SA fish, but I'm sure that he knows people who are local specialists. In most states you can gain these types of permits if you can prove it's for educational purposes. I think that cooperating with a University would be your best bet. If you don't hear from him do a similar search at the major Alabama University you would know what they are better than me. Email the department head if you can find that info most of the time the universities list that info.
[/FONT]
Click to expand...

Thanks ever so much! I will look into it!
 
I quote outdooralabama.com "The pygmy sculpin is another rare species only found in Alabama. This fish has federal protection as a threatened species because its habitat is limited only to spring runs and pools of Coldwater Spring in Calhoun County. The City of Anniston uses water from Coldwater Spring, thereby providing a measure of protection for the threatened sculpin through a cooperative agreement between the Anniston Water Works Department and the USFWS. The agreement prohibits any action that would be detrimental to the pygmy sculpin. Recent sampling by Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries personnel indicated pygmy sculpin populations are stable and even flourishing. Groundwater contamination from Anniston Army Depot and proposed highway construction projects present the greatest threats to this species. The Forever Wild program recently provided funding for the acquisition of the groundwater recharge area for this spring."

The proposed highway is built and traffic is very high at all hours. People on ATV's and four-wheelers often drive through the spring run. I fear this beautiful little fish is on its way out!
 
It kind of depends on your particular state and who you talk to.
In most states it's pretty hard to get such a permit unless you work for an educational facility, have a job relating to such things, or happen to know the right people.

Mystus Redtail made a good suggestion. You may not get anywhere right off the bat, but don't give up. If you talk to several people and remain friendly and interested you will be more likely to make the connections you need.
 
Since you're interesting in breeding a federally listed fish, I would at least breed other Cottus first and document all of your work. Note and prove your success as well as failure. This will allow you to come to the table with experience.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom