Diver Collection responsibility within the USA

[alikatoes]

I currently collect fish in Hawaii (Oahu) and do so to pay for my college education, not to mention it is a fun job. I am starting to become concerned with the realities of conservation in Hawaii. I am curious what hobbiest think of collectors, especially since most of you pick up from retailers. There is not a real connection between divers and aquarists that I am a part of but I think we both can benifit by sharing knowledge. I am exposed to fish behavior in the wild and I hold a wide variety of species and seek to learn more about care for fish in captivity. Anyway what do hobbiest think about collectors?

[wayne in norway]

As a hobbyist I would hope that collectors act responsibly and collect fish in a way that doesn't harm the enviroment and causes the collected fish to be made available to me in good shape and with no negative effects. Unfortunately I doubt that's always the case.
What is causing you to become concerned?

[Nuhtty]

I would hope that most collectors ARE hobbyists, however this is not the case.

You hear things about collectors using cyanide and other chemicals to catch fish.

You also hear about collectors collecting 100 specimens and only 25% of them making it to a buyer alive.

Truly scary. Of course, there are great collectors out there who catch, store and ship fish humanely. I trust you are among this group or you would not be here talking about the subject.

I would love to hear more about this topic, and also love to hear some stories about the more "interesting" fish behaviour you have seen.

[alikatoes]

I try my best for my fish. In all truth it is my life to deal with them and keep them healthy, but there are always deaths no matter what link you are in the chain. I too am concerned with the standards of the industry especially in Hawaii. I think Hawaii state policy limits the preservation of its natural resources.

I have seen a lot of spawning behaviour, and it seems to be induced by winter conditions. As far as interesting fish, I could go on for days, but I am ammused very easy. I especially like dwarf angels (centropyge) and the way the run patterns in the rocks. It is cool to see the patterns they run in harems too. It reminds me of a pimp (male fish) walking the street and checking on his girls (female fish) who all occupy differnt corners. Not that I can relate but you know what I mean.

[wayne in norway]

You said something that is alarming in your first post re: being concerned with realities of conservation, and know you worry about the standards of the industry. I have always thought and hoped that regulation of the Hawaiian industry had kept it fairly clean - is this not the case?

[alikatoes]

If you ever go down to the department of aquatic resources, witch regulates aquarium fish you will see what I mean. They still use regular paper files and they are so un organized. They need some computers (amongst other things) and perhaps they can monitor the industry better. Collect methods are safe in Hawaii, meaning no cyanide. What I mean for conservation is more stricktly regulated no fishing zones and seasons. Perhas even size regulations should be placed on aquarium fish. This is not easy to suggest because diving currently pays my bills, but it is very true and would foster sustainability.