turbo snails just banned??

[clarionreef]

People,
I just spoke to U.S. Agriculture officials.
They called us.
Turbo snails have just been banned in the process of banning freshwater mystery snails.
I asked if the difference was known between salt and freshwater and they said it made no difference.
There will be some protocols for the release of specially marked saltwater snails [ ie. all gastropods ] after a two day quarantine in the APHIS facilities [ with no water ]...
The snails will then be dead, they were informed to no comment.
We were told to get ready to not break the law in importing turbos, trochus, cateyes, nassarrius, conchs et al.
Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
Stay tuned...
Steve

 

[Len]

8O Speechless

 

[Anonymous]

So does that mean that we can't purchase them from LFS additionally? If they already have them, will it be against the law to purchase them?

 

[clarionreef]

Len,
I truly hope to be wrong...
Steve

 

[Duec22]

Does that mean the stomatella snails that are breading in my tank are going to become the next aquaculture project?

 

[clarionreef]

When turbos are outlawed...
only outlaws will have turbos...
Steve

 

[Unarce]

Aww, geez!

Although I've weened myself from needing turbos, I'm sad to hear about the conchs. At least they'll still be available through ORA.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd be wrong to say I'm shocked, cuz I'm not.

 

[Anonymous]

What is the rationale for banning it? :?
What kind of risk?

 

[Anonymous]

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422 ... 6-3297.htm

[Federal Register: April 5, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 65)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 16973-16975]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05ap06-1]


========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.

========================================================================



[[Page 16973]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

7 CFR Part 330

[Docket No. APHIS-2006-0051]


Aquatic Snails; Permit Requirements for Importation and
Interstate Movement

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Policy statement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document gives notice that we intend to begin
consistently and routinely requiring that a permit must accompany all
aquatic snails that are imported into the United States or that are
moving interstate. We also intend to consistently require that
shipments of aquatic snails, as with all other plant pests imported
under permit, be subject to inspection and to begin routinely and
consistently inspecting shipments of aquatic supplies or plants that
may contain aquatic snails. This action is necessary in order to
prevent the importation or interstate movement of certain species of
aquatic snails which, if released into the environment, can become
destructive agricultural pests.

DATES: Effective Date: April 5, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding import
permits, contact Dr. Michael J. Firko, Director of Permits,
Registration, and Imports, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 734-8758. For information concerning
inspection of commodities, contact Mr. William Thomas, Director,
Quarantine Policy, Analysis and Support, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road
Unit 60, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236; (301) 734-5214.

 

[Anonymous]

What is the rationale for banning it? :?
What kind of risk?

Bottom line, protection of the freshwater rice fields. You know, the ones we in Cali have growing in the desert mainly. One huge reason why the salmon runs are so wacked (diverted water flow/dams=siltation,warmer water, etc).

Kill the salmon, ban all aquatic snails, Protect the desert rice fields!!!!

 

[Len]

I suppose it's too difficult for the government to differentiate between saltwater and freshwater snails :? Can't say I'm surprised.

 

[clarionreef]

"We further intend to begin consistently and routinely enforcing the
regulations to require that a permit accompany all aquatic snails
moving into or through the country and will increase the level of
inspection of shipments of aquarium supplies and plants offered for
entry into the United States to look for evidence of aquatic snails. We
are issuing this policy statement to ensure that affected importers,
shippers, and members of the public are made aware of these
requirements. Any shipment found to contain aquatic snails for which a
permit has not been issued will be confiscated and the importer of said snails shot."

Chief Information officer
National Snail police

 

[Anonymous]

I suppose it's too difficult for the government to differentiate between saltwater and freshwater snails :? Can't say I'm surprised.

Federal cannon fodder can be broad sweeping, can't it

 

[Anonymous]

National Snail police

A.k.a. "Der Schneckspolizei"

 

[Anonymous]

National Snail police

A.k.a. "Der Schneckspolizei"

:lol:

 

[MartinE]

8O Speechless

Count me stunned as well.
Wow so we can expect to see shops selling home bred snails, selling for a bazillion dollars all because a hobbiests snail can be released into the fragile agriculture ecosystem.

 

[Anonymous]

Good thing I've got a nice supply of Stomatellas at home. 8O

 

[Anonymous]

National Snail police

A.k.a. "Der Schneckspolizei"

 

[Rob Top]

I'm I missing something. Doesn't this say you need a permit. I read nothing there that said banned.