Breaking News - United States Coral Reef Task Force Meeting

[John_Brandt]

PRESS RELEASE

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

By John Brandt
Legislation Representative
Marine Aquarium Societies of North America


WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP) presented a preliminary report today at the meeting of The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) announcing that the Commission will recommend to Congress that the International trade in marine ornamental species be regulated.

The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy will publish its report in two stages. Notification of the release of the draft report will appear in the Federal Register http://www.access.gpo.gov, as well as the USCOP website http://www.oceancommission.gov. This report will be made available to Governors and interested stakeholders early in 2004 for review and public comment. After the deadline for comment the report will be finalized by USCOP and presented to the President and Congress for the purpose of creating public policy.

Dr. Paul Sandifer, Commissioner for USCOP, revealed a list of recommended actions to be presented to Congress to preserve and protect oceans and coral reefs. One recommendation is to adopt legislation ensuring that any marine food and ornamental species imported to the United States be collected only by sustainable means. No further details were available at the time.

As mandated by the Oceans Act 2000 (P.L. 106-256), the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy will establish findings and make final recommendations to the President and Congress for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy. The new policy will address a broad range of issues, from ocean governance to the stewardship of marine resources and pollution prevention to enhancing and supporting marine science, commerce and transportation.


© Marine Aquarium Societies of North America

 

[Kalkbreath]

Is there any sea food which is sustainable? I mean if we apply the same standards that we apply to ornamental trade species. Are there any shrimp boats that dont scrape and scare the bottom of the sea? Can herring collectors or sardine boats fish and not effect the predators that also consume the fish they collect? [like seals or tuna?] Can anyone name ONE fish species which has not declined in wild populations during the last forty years of food fishing?

 

[dizzy]

Stay tuned for further details.

US COP Catchy name.

 

[Anonymous]

Stay tuned for further details.

US COP Catchy name.

heh

isn't the uscrtf an advisory group with no political or legislative power ?

this is certainly the impression i get from all i've read/heard about what they've done/can do so far (?)

 

[naesco]

This is the best news any person interested in reform has heard for a long time.
As well as sustainability issues we must all work hard to ensure that USCOP is aware of the necessity of putting an immediate embargo on Philippine and Indonesia fish where the use of cyanide is rampant.
Hopefully USCOP has the resources and influence to provide incentives to Philippine fishers and stateside organizations to move quickly towards net caught fish and require a CDT in place immediately as an interim measure.

I will be writing them and would encourage industry to do the same as a show of good faith.

It is appropriate that the Unsuitable Species List (USL) championed by the members of this forum, also be adopted as well.

As the US President has the final say on the issue, we should all be thankful that the current President who misled his citizens on Iraq wont be around after election day, and that the Democratics will give issue the environmental priority it deserves.

YES YES YES

 

[Anonymous]

[WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP) presented a preliminary report today at the meeting of The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) announcing that the Commission will recommend to Congress that the International trade in marine ornamental species be regulated.

The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy will publish its report in two stages. Notification of the release of the draft report will appear in the Federal Register http://www.access.gpo.gov, as well as the USCOP website http://www.oceancommission.gov. This report will be made available to Governors and interested stakeholders early in 2004 for review and public comment. After the deadline for comment the report will be finalized by USCOP and presented to the President and Congress for the purpose of creating public policy.

Dr. Paul Sandifer, Commissioner for USCOP, revealed a list of recommended actions to be presented to Congress to preserve and protect oceans and coral reefs. One recommendation is to adopt legislation ensuring that any marine food and ornamental species imported to the United States be collected only by sustainable means. No further details were available at the time.

This is a great time to inform hobbyists and work with environmentally pro-active Industry people to formulate suggestions on how to beneficially implement the above recommendation. It looks like the impetus for change is in place, now is a great time to use that impetus to the hobby's long-term advantage.

Sincerely,
Lee Morey

 

[naesco]

Sadly, Lee it wont happen.

It has been posted many times by many, that unless industry does something about the wanton damage it is doing to the people of the Phillipines and their reef treasures, the government will step in.

They now have: Both in the US and the Philippines.

What industry needs is a leader who can unite industry both the reeform minded and the scum.
They could devote MO 2004 to planning necessary changes so that both Governments would see that industry was trying to clean up its act.

I see no leader, no plan: I see nothing happening. I don't even see an apology from industry for the damage they have done.
They continue to stick their heads in the sand instead of facing the challenge that unless they reeform their ways its over.

In other words they are out of business.

 

[MaryHM]

I think before any of us say this news is good or bad, that we should actually WAIT AND READ THE REPORT!!! Imagine that. Waiting to read what the proposals are prior to hailing it as the savior or destroyer of the world..... Based on my previous experience with any legislative proposals, it is probably going to contain some good, some bad, and a lot of ideas that haven't been well thought out. Once the report comes out, it will be up to industry and hobbyists to carefully sort through it and carefully think through the benefits/ramifications of the proposed legislation before we throw our undying support or unyielding opposition into the public comments ring. Regulation isn't a bad thing as long as it's done right. And regulation does not mean a ban. Having spoken with USCRTF representatives, I do not feel that most of them would support a ban. But I would welcome well thought out regulation. Unfortunately, I've seen too many pieces of legislation that weren't thought out at all, so I'm expecting that some major changes will be necessary once the proposal is out.

 

[mkirda]

Hopefully USCOP has the resources and influence to provide incentives to Philippine fishers and stateside organizations to move quickly towards net caught fish and require a CDT in place immediately as an interim measure.

As the US President has the final say on the issue, we should all be thankful that the current President who misled his citizens on Iraq wont be around after election day, and that the Democratics will give issue the environmental priority it deserves.

With the US government running a 500 billion dollar deficit before we even add in the costs of the war in Iraq, it would seem to me that USCOP will have no resources whatsoever.

And I don't understand why you think that the sitting US president is a shoe-in for Texas retirement. There is enormous support for him, even amongst academia. The election isn't that close and a lot could happen between now and then. Guess I'm not as optimistic as that.

Regards.
Mike Kirda

 

[mkirda]

I see no leader, no plan: I see nothing happening. I don't even see an apology from industry for the damage they have done.

Here in America, an apology means acceptance of responsibility.
Acceptance of responsibility means that you are culpable, which means you are sue-able.

For that reason alone, you will never see an apology, Naesco.

Welcome to America.

Regards.
Mike Kirda

 

[clarionreef]

Mary,
Can we apologize on behalf of the trades subsidy of Filipino environmental sins? Accepted and processed thru the Manila airport with an export document and imported under the validation by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Or do we first have to be guilty?

Steve
PS. Never mind...Mike just answered.
Now we'll need to find a Canadian importer to apologize.

 

[Anonymous]

And I don't understand why you think that the sitting US president is a shoe-in for Texas retirement. There is enormous support for him, even amongst academia. The election isn't that close and a lot could happen between now and then. Guess I'm not as optimistic as that.

Yup, Nader the split-er-nator is back in business.

 

[naesco]

I see no leader, no plan: I see nothing happening. I don't even see an apology from industry for the damage they have done.

Here in America, an apology means acceptance of responsibility.
Acceptance of responsibility means that you are culpable, which means you are sue-able.

For that reason alone, you will never see an apology, Naesco.

Welcome to America.

Regards.
Mike Kirda

The people of the Philippines don't see it that way.
In Asian culture when you have done wrong, an apology for past wrongs is a necessary first step.

In my opinion, a proper apology and a going forward plan that ensures, fair payment to the fishers, compensation for the damage that has been done and a plan that initiates net training and cdt testing will get you to first base.
Anything short of that and you will strike out.
How is that for an American analogu?

 

[Anonymous]

The people of the Philippines don't see it that way
In Asian culture when you have done wrong, an apology for past wrongs is a necessary first step.

So now all Asains are lumped together in one culture and you speak for all PI poeple?

In my opinion, a proper apology and a going forward plan that ensures, fair payment to the fishers, compensation for the damage that has been done and a plan that initiates net training and cdt testing will get you to first base.

How can one sort out what damage to the reef was caused by what Neasco, you got some secret silver bullet for that, or do you want the industry and the US government to pay for ALL damage done to the reef? If thats the case, I think all the worlds government need to pitch in as well. WWII caused incredible damage to the reef's of PI, and was acredditted for the start of TNT fishing. Does that mean all that were involved in wwII owe for compensation?

 

[mkirda]

The people of the Philippines don't see it that way.
In Asian culture when you have done wrong, an apology for past wrongs is a necessary first step.

Let's not lump all of Asia with a Japanese cultural tradition, Naesco.
Besides, the rest of Asia doesn't see the Philippines as being Asian at all- They are way too Western for them.

Rather ironic, isn't it? They are more Hispanic than Asian.
But then, you already knew that, didn't you?

Regards.
Mike Kirda

 

[naesco]

The people of the Philippines don't see it that way
In Asian culture when you have done wrong, an apology for past wrongs is a necessary first step.

So now all Asains are lumped together in one culture and you speak for all PI poeple?

In my opinion, a proper apology and a going forward plan that ensures, fair payment to the fishers, compensation for the damage that has been done and a plan that initiates net training and cdt testing will get you to first base.

How can one sort out what damage to the reef was caused by what Neasco, you got some secret silver bullet for that, or do you want the industry and the US government to pay for ALL damage done to the reef? If thats the case, I think all the worlds government need to pitch in as well. WWII caused incredible damage to the reef's of PI, and was acredditted for the start of TNT fishing. Does that mean all that were involved in wwII owe for compensation?

Nobody is lumping Asians into one category.
The Philippine people are one of the kindest, friendliest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
They understand basic manners which means that if you do wrong and want to continue your relationship, you apologize.

As to how the Philippine government will sort out the cause of the damage the answer is obvious. They don't have to. All they will want to do is set aside monies to do this. This money wil come from industry whether US or other.

 

[Anonymous]

In Asian culture when you have done wrong, an apology for past wrongs is a necessary first step.

Simply saying Asain culture is in fact lumping all Asian cultures together, especially when we're talking about PI. The Japanesse are different then koreans, as are the Chinesse and Filippinos and all other "Asain cultures". No two are alike, just call a Filipino Chinesse and see if the take it laying down.

 

[Anonymous]

naesco, are you just as sure about all this as you were about the guaranteed implementation of the cdt?

 

[Anonymous]

This is the best news any person interested in reform has heard for a long time.
As well as sustainability issues we must all work hard to ensure that USCOP is aware of the necessity of putting an immediate embargo on Philippine and Indonesia fish where the use of cyanide is rampant.
Hopefully USCOP has the resources and influence to provide incentives to Philippine fishers and stateside organizations to move quickly towards net caught fish and require a CDT in place immediately as an interim measure.

I will be writing them and would encourage industry to do the same as a show of good faith.

It is appropriate that the Unsuitable Species List (USL) championed by the members of this forum, also be adopted as well.

As the US President has the final say on the issue, we should all be thankful that the current President who misled his citizens on Iraq wont be around after election day, and that the Democratics will give issue the environmental priority it deserves.

YES YES YES

here's a link for you, naesco

read it and then tell me if you still believe the us govt will do anything to help the environmental issues surrounding this industry, bush or no bush

http://www.house.gov/reform/min/politicsandscience/

 

[naesco]

This is the best news any person interested in reform has heard for a long time.
As well as sustainability issues we must all work hard to ensure that USCOP is aware of the necessity of putting an immediate embargo on Philippine and Indonesia fish where the use of cyanide is rampant.
Hopefully USCOP has the resources and influence to provide incentives to Philippine fishers and stateside organizations to move quickly towards net caught fish and require a CDT in place immediately as an interim measure.

I will be writing them and would encourage industry to do the same as a show of good faith.

It is appropriate that the Unsuitable Species List (USL) championed by the members of this forum, also be adopted as well.

As the US President has the final say on the issue, we should all be thankful that the current President who misled his citizens on Iraq wont be around after election day, and that the Democratics will give issue the environmental priority it deserves.

YES YES YES

here's a link for you, naesco

read it and then tell me if you still believe the us govt will do anything to help the environmental issues surrounding this industry, bush or no bush

http://www.house.gov/reform/min/politicsandscience/

Thanks for the link
Well it is obvious Vitz that a comprehensive universal heath care programme is long overdue in the US so that all citizens benefit from the best of health care, monies will still be available for projects such as protecting the reefs.