While some among us have questioned the methods, none of us are at conflict of the core goals of the MAMTI Project. Reef Management is an idea whose time has come. The United States however, does not once again, need to be viewed by the people of the third world countries as forcing it's will upon them. I believe that if it is given the time, the approach to field work that the MAMTI is spearheading, will yield favorable results. It may however, need to be adjusted so that it does not have effect of destroying the free market system, that American citizens such as myself hold so dear. The secrete nature of much of the planning has possibly caused undue alarm. The entire process needs to brought out into the open and I urge the MAC to learn how to become more transparent. We are talking about changes that can affect the livelihoods of a great deal of people that depend on this industry, both in this country and abroad. The consequences of banning coral reef imports need to be analysed before irreversible action is taken that destroys our industry. While I'm no expert on the supply side issues, I believe the demand side approach of the MAMTI project needs more work. We need to be very careful we do not establish monoplies that create unfair trade advantages. Changes to the MAC standards for handling need to be made if the program is to gain industry wide acceptance. More input from the average stakeholders at both the supply side and demand side are needed. Data on how fish populations recover from collecting activities should be used to determine which species can be harvested. Unsuitability lists based on aquarium longevity hold no logical place in scientific studies on sustainability. Mortalities which are an unfortunate part of any industry such as this, need to be reduced by better handling, husbandry, and advances in disease prevention and treatment. We all need to share methods that are effective in this regard, and to work together to reduces loses through out the chain of custody. Our industry when done right, is a valuable tool to educate the general public as to the wonders of nature, exemplied by the glorious coral reef dwellers that are on display and for sale in our shops. We inspire young minds to have an interest in the sciences. In short in some of the smaller towns and cities across this great land, we provide the same services that public aquariums do in the larger metropolitan areas where they are typically located. Banning the import of marine aquaium animals will destroy much of an industry that has unlocked the secretes of proper care of many of these animals in the aquarium, while educating the public, and providing an income in the countries of origin in the process. I urge you all to work to postpone this poorly written legislation, so that we can have the needed time for the MAMTI project to work in a way that does not destroy our livelihoods and the enjoyment of a large segment of our population.
Mitch Gibbs
Mitch Gibbs
