• Why not take a moment to introduce yourself to our members?

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reformmac

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"ReformMAC" is channel used by people close to MAC who want to be able to freely express their opinions and respond to questions about MAC and issues surrounding MAC, industry reform and growth, and conservation of coral reefs. Since we are a group of individuals based worldwide there may be gaps in our response times, we apologize in advance for this. We look forward to a productive exchange.
 

dizzy

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Reformmac,
Is this a secret group or do the members disclose their real identity? Are you an open an honest group? Why do you feel MAC needs reforming?
Thanks,
Mitch
 
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Anonymous

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man, lately i've been having to check the monitor to make sure i'm still not in the sump when i surf the ind. forum! :P
 

clarionreef

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Wow...
a MAC star chamber is emerging. 8O
Steve
ps.
I has occured to me that if there were a little competition towards the same purpose...and if MACs monopoly on the sales of eco-credentials were broken, then we might get some ignition on public interest and dealer participation.
Its only natural that this absolute power corrupted absolutely.
Imagine our businesses if you were the only one...the only source of critical elements to the hobby. Would you not evolve a large head and end up dictating the rules instead of engaging, communicating and kissing butt to make a sale?
Steve
 
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sdcfish":2hcqh2bw said:
I doubt that newmacceo is an insider as he obviously has his facts wrong, and just the tone of his post, shows what kind of person he is....certainly NOT the new mac ceo!

Anyone that knows me, would never have posted or said those nasty things without cause.

It does surprise me though that the moderators would allow such a post that contradicts the policies and ethic's of posting here.

Anyway, I have been visiting this forum for years, and it's the first time I have been treated like that. I can take it, even if it's not even close to the truth.

Once again, I ask the moderators for their support and diligence.

Best regards

Eric

Does that mean that there is no Darth Brandt? :lol:
 

mark@mac

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All,

This is a letter from my good friend Cyrus whom I worked with in the Philippines. He is president of a national youth group called Save ME (ME = Mother Earth). He began with MAC as a volunteer and worked circles around some of the paid staff whom often made more than 10 or 15 times his menial salary.... He is a great man and I hope to work with him very soon. He was recently fired from MAC for trying make some positive changes for his country. Here is his response:




Dear Mr. Holthus,



This is to officially respond to your letter asking me to explain my involvement in an alleged effort to undermine the Marine Aquarium Council.



I am severely disappointed and outraged at the violation of my privacy. It is apparent that over the last how many days my personal email account has been invaded and my personal files copied or taken without my approval; such virtual burglary apparently producing document/s that are now being used to implicate me. Violation of my privacy by itself is reprehensible, but using the fruits of such wrongful deed to further prejudice me is brazen disregard for justice and fairness.



I have served the Marine Aquarium Council with commitment and loyalty. I saw it a great opportunity to elevate my personal advocacy to higher levels of relevance and impact. The same commitment and dedication I gave to my movement the Save Mother Earth Movement Philippines, I gave to MAC. I admit that my commitment and dedication to the programs of MAC gave me fulfillment and an opportunity to challenge myself, but this same dedication made me see the ills of MAC as an organization. I have seen the trainers in the different places risk and sacrifice their lives to the extent of leaving their beloved family yet they are not given an equitable income and benefits. The broken promises made to my fellow Filipinos in Tawi-Tawi, Cagayancillo, Bohol, and Northern Palawan, by the leadership of MAC, are taken lightly; as if these poor Filipinos are just kids that can be cajoled with empty promises then left alone to cry. Well, maybe promises are just promises, but not when the integrity of the advocacy of MAC is put into serious doubt due to mismanagement and insensitivity to the plight of the Filipinos and the government institutions working hand in hand with MAC’s management. Not when supposedly concerned International NGO’s make money out of the misery of the third world and its poor people such as ours.



These realizations and the feeling of betrayal have been building up within me. But I have given the organization the benefit of my doubts. I wanted to believe the organization can improve itself from within, but when my supervisor Mark Schreffler was dismissed I knew something had to be done. Mark was one of the very few members of the MAMTI office who was truly passionate about the plight of the Filipino aquarium fishers and exporters, and he had genuine concern for the industry. When he was dismissed under very questionable circumstances, I was pushed to draw a solution from my political experience.



Together with some of my concerned friends from the Movement where I am leader of, we drafted a MAC Reconstruction Plan. I therefore admit the existence of such plan and my involvement. I did this with friends who are not employees of MAC. Isabelle Cruz, Peter Scott, and Anne Gabriel have nothing to do with this plan.



The plan was just a plan until, the burglary exposed it; the plan was a plan we were still debating on, deliberating on. There was no agreement yet as to its implementation, we have yet to decide whether to proceed with it or use internal mechanisms to find solutions to the problems that triggered the plan; but these are now moot. In fact, not a single portion of the plan has been implemented. Check the time frame and this is very evident. At the time you sent me your Notice of Complaint dated March 16, 2006, 63% of the plan should have been done. Instead, what has been done is a flagrant violation of my Philippine Constitutional Rights and the use of said data to destroy and question my personal and professional reputation.



The violation of my privacy, the apparent over-reaction of the leadership of this organization, and the damage done by MAC’s empty promises to my fellow Filipinos along with the unjust withholding of my half month hard earned salary for March 1-15, 2006 are issues that are important to me.



I reserve my right to seek justice through legal means against those who, directly or indirectly, wantonly violated my rights guaranteed under our Philippine Constitution.



Sincerely,









CYRUS MACASERA
 

clarionreef

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Somehow the phrase....... "I told you so.." just doesn't do enough at this point.
Steve

PS.
Macasera said...."the use of said data to destroy and question my personal and professional reputation."

Kaibigan,
I wouldn't worry bout that. It has no doubt made your reputation a lot better. You are to be applauded for standing up...something a dozen others wanted to do...
 

mark@mac

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of course you can say "i told you so", but it's not over yet, not unitl the proverbial "fat lady sings"....... it's entirely possible i may be saying "i told you i could fix it" back to you someday.... if i get my way.... 8)


and Mitch, to answer your question, i am part of "reeformac" and I think you know why i feel MAC needs reforming.....

cheers,

mark
 

clarionreef

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And .....
"i told you i could fix it" back to you someday.... if i get my way.... " :roll:
Mark,
If you get your way then it wouldn't be the MAC as we have always known it! ....it would be a new day, a new way and a new administration! :lol: Wonderful!! :P

Then, why would anyone be against it?
Remember, some of us were simply against the MAC as we knew how off track and mis-managed from the beginning..
For years the common theme has been that it can never work with the wrong leader at the top and that is exactly what everyone is now agreeing with.....we were never against the issues of reform that still need to be adressed!
On the contrary. It is the passion for reforming the trade that has led so many into contention with MAC in the first place. You may not relize how much goodwill could be garnered with new, enlightened, pro action...pro fisherman leadership.
The point that is sharpening is wether the vehicle will be a new reformed MAC or another group.
The odds are that they will develop a bunker mentality, sit on the money, weather the storm, malign the rebels, shoot the messengers and continue to get paid for going thru the motions.
The BOD is on the hotseat to see if they have any initiative at all to save their group or will they respond by simply resigning quietly.
As the foremost crtitic from day one....I can say I told you [ ie. the world] so cuz I knew that dog could not, would not hunt and would never, ever catch a rabbit.
Steve
 

smokinggunuk

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Len / Eric,

Regarding the disgusting abuse you were given yesterday, I feel something has to be said.

Unfortunately, Len you do actually know the person behind it.

"Pinoyboydavao" and "newmacceo" are the same individual - someone based in the Philippines. Len, I'm sure you can verify this by looking up the ISP and, on a less techhie level, check out the times of the postings. They are all in the day or early evening Philippine time. It's not hard to work out where they almost certainly originate...

In fact, it is none other 'Peter Scott' the ex certifications director of MAC who was "fired" after some shocking relevations and evidence came to light. Given that he wasn't warned or suspended after six years at MAC, you can imagine this was very serious stuff. It was, but that's another story - and not a very nice one. If you look at his postings directed at you, though, Eric, you'll see that at least he's consistently unpleasant.

Incidentally, this is not the first time Peter has done this with an organization he has worked with, but like the revelations that got Peter so summarily dismissed, that is a story for another day.

Conveniently he has signed off under his pseudonym, but he will be back probably under a different alias. Don't you worry - cream is not the only thng that consistently floats to the surface. As for his apology, well, yes he made one, but only after Len wrote some comments. Besides, if he was really sorry, he'd never had said it in the first place.

I will now "disappear" (just like newmacceo and pinoyboydavao) but I'll be watching this thread and, if needed...well, let's just say there are plenty of stories for other days.



:wink:
 
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Anonymous

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Another one hit wonder bashing another hidden poster. Probably just a bunch of under sexed teenagers IMO :) Real poeple don't need to hide under made up names, nor do they accuse people while hiding BEHIND A TREE ;)
 
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Maybe I'm naive but......................

I would think going to the MAC funders directly could do more to garner change in the status quo faster than trying to do anything else. Does Packard (and it's share holders) even know that the moneys they give so freely is being squandered?

Maybe some of you more knowledgeble folks should bump brain cells. Compile the nessacery documentation, get statements such as the one Mark posted above, testimonials from (ex) MAC certifided co-ops and others. Present it to the Packard foundation and other funders (with the promise of going to their share/stock holders) if THEY don't demand a change in MAC leadership for their continued support.
 

dizzy

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Oh Packard knows already Sally. You can bet your sweet biffy on that.
PS
I don't think they have stock holders.
 
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Anonymous

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Maybe not the Packard Foundation, but I sure know that Packard does! :wink:
 
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Sally, unfortunatly, one is the family foundation, and the other is a company. Neither shares the same body.

Like Mitch said, Packard and all MAC funders know exactly what is going on.
 

dizzy

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I don't see MAC listed, but here is a little bit about Packard. With almost $5 billion in assets, the MAC budget is chump change.


David & Lucile Packard Foundation
300 Second Street, Los Altos, CA 94022
Phone 415-948-7658 | Fax 650-948-2957 | Email [email protected]

Background
The Packard Foundation is a family operation, established in 1964 by David Packard, one of the founders (along with William R. Hewlett) of the Hewlett-Packard Company, and by his late wife Lucille Salter Packard.


Finances

for tax year ending 12/31/2002


Total Assets $4,793,893,254.00
Grants Awarded $0.00



Officers and Other Supporters


Name Position
Nancy Packard Burnett Vice Chairman
Robin Chandler Duke Trustee
Dean O. Morton Treasurer
Franklin M. Orr Jr. Trustee
Susan Packard Orr Chairman
Julie E. Packard Vice Chairman
Lew Platt Trustee
William K. Reilly Trustee
Richard T. Schlosberg III President, CEO
Robert Stephens Trustee
Colburn S. Wilbur Trustee
Barbara Wright Secretary



Selected Grants


Environmental Working Group
Grant $125,000.00 in 1995
Source The Foundation Center
Details For research and public education to reduce the use and risks of agricultural chemicals

SeaWeb
Grant $1,300,000.00 in 2005
Source Chronicle Of Philanthropy
Details For the Seafood Choices Alliance

SeaWeb
Grant $1,100,000.00 in 2002
Source IRS Form 990 or 990-PF
Details Support for the Seafood Choices Alliance, the national marine reserves communications campaign, and for core operating expenses


Top Grants Made



Funding To Activist Groups Total Donated Time Frame
National Audubon Society $25,122,375.00 1993 – 2002
World Wildlife Fund $16,882,218.00 1993 – 2002
Environmental Defense $13,381,000.00 1993 – 2005
Public Health Institute $13,172,779.00 1998 – 2005
Tides Foundation & Tides Center $11,660,665.00 1988 – 2005
SeaWeb $8,250,397.00 1999 – 2005
Center for Resource Economics $7,514,220.00 2001 – 2005
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation $6,047,460.00 1993 – 2000
World Resources Institute $5,955,957.00 1996 – 2002
Marine Stewardship Council $5,625,500.00 1999 – 2005
Ocean Conservancy $4,405,942.00 1993 – 2005
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities $4,065,500.00 1997 – 2002
New America Foundation $2,880,000.00 2000 – 2002
Conservation International $2,539,618.00 1993 – 2005
Sierra Club $2,260,000.00 2000 – 2002
John Snow Institute (JSI) $2,000,000.00 2001 – 2001
Consumers Union of the United States $1,845,858.00 1998 – 2002
Environmental Media Services $1,600,756.00 1999 – 2002
Environmental Support Center $1,497,936.00 1998 – 2002
American Oceans Campaign $1,461,640.00 1998 – 2002
National Environmental Trust $1,430,800.00 2001 – 2005
David Suzuki Foundation $1,177,100.00 1999 – 2005
National Religious Partnership for the Environment $1,000,000.00 2000 – 2000
National Wildlife Federation $908,900.00 1998 – 2005
Environmental Working Group $875,000.00 1991 – 1998
Center for a New American Dream $860,000.00 1999 – 2002
Worldwatch Institute $850,000.00 1998 – 2001
Union of Concerned Scientists $824,000.00 1998 – 2004
Natural Resources Defense Council $769,000.00 1988 – 2001
American Farmland Trust $651,500.00 1993 – 1999








Copyright © 2006 Center for Consumer Freedom. All rights reserved.
 

clarionreef

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Top Grants Made



Funding To Activist Groups Total Donated Time Frame
National Audubon Society $25,122,375.00 1993 – 2002
World Wildlife Fund $16,882,218.00 1993 – 2002
Environmental Defense $13,381,000.00 1993 – 2005
Public Health Institute $13,172,779.00 1998 – 2005
Tides Foundation & Tides Center $11,660,665.00 1988 – 2005
SeaWeb $8,250,397.00 1999 – 2005
Center for Resource Economics $7,514,220.00 2001 – 2005
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation $6,047,460.00 1993 – 2000
World Resources Institute $5,955,957.00 1996 – 2002
Marine Stewardship Council $5,625,500.00 1999 – 2005

When I used to write; "millions gained and dozens trained", people would scoff at the exaggeration.
And this is merely one revenue stream folks.
The totality of the MAC mission is anchored in our issues and as an aquarium field professional I would like to say that they have failed beyond any and every possible measure of performance.
The only passion and activity we have seen out of this group is in attacking their ex-employees for undermining them.

Hey guys...the ex staff did not undermine you.
As we have pointed out here for years.....your incompatence and non performance thru the years of record funding for aquarium trade reform has undermined you. Steve
CO-founder of the IMA....father of MAC
 

clarionreef

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SMOKING-GUNK SAYS;

In fact, it is none other 'Peter Scott' the ex certifications director of MAC who was "fired" after some shocking relevations and evidence came to light. Given that he wasn't warned or suspended after six years at MAC, you can imagine this was very serious stuff

YES, BUT NOT SERIOUS ENOUGH TO CLAIM IT BEYOND mere INFERENCE FROM A SECRET POSTER.
THE CLAIM CARRIES NO CREDIBILITY AT ALL AS IN THE CREDENTIALS OF THE POSTER.
Scott was with you guys since the 90's. And in 2006 you say that he has done it before? If there was such a problem...why sustain his employment all that time, send him to present at conferences, serve as point man for many, initiatives?

Still, welcome to the forum smoking-gun. But the real smoke is whats not coming out of the Philippines.
$5,000,000 gone and the worst record of training failure imagineable.
One should never blame the aquarium trade for its crimes when they have had such a partner that got paid so much to insure their non correction.
This looks like whitewash...it looks like conspiracy....but you know what?
Its simple Howdy Doody incompetence in the extreme.
Steve
Hey gunsmoke...how long you been with this group?
 

mark@mac

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well, mr. smokinggunuk,

I think I know you!

It could only be Stuart Green of Reef Check (the only Brit left in mamti). He is the "director" of Reef Check in Phils AND Indo and is not a friend of the industry or even MAC! He was one of the "team" who had Peter and I ousted and have pulled the wool over the eyes of the three kings...... (kings = Ex. Dir.of the tri-partite mamti partnership.)

Why do you post here "under cover", incognito???? Afraid to tell who you really are?

Instead of trying to help this situation, (which I really believe you don't want), you drop in some half ___ post that is ONLY your propaganda!
 
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