Visit to a BFAR CDT Lab

[PeterIMA]

Horge, Perhaps you should read the paper I wrote in Environmental Bioligy of Fishes in 1988. I never stated that cyanide fishing was the only problem facing coastal habitats/coral reefs. I readily acknowledge that siltation from defortestation, blast fishing are serious problems. I disagree with your estimate that cyanide fishing is insignificant. I kills everything it touches. With blast fishing, aquarium fishes can still exist on blasted reefs, with cyanide fishing all the fish disappear from the site (since it is no longer productive).

We are not so far apart (as you stated). I like you want to help the fishermen (indeed they have asked for my assistance). I am working closely with Ferdinand Cruz (whom you seem to respect). I also know and respect Steve Robinson, and Mike King of CORL. I wish them every success with further net-training and coral farming. BFAR is the key to most of what needs to happen. IMA does have serious problems with BFAR. The MAC could help "solve" many of these problems (some of which are more political than scientific). I have offered to help the MAC with CDT. Compromises are needed as you stated.

Peter Rubec

 

[Anonymous]

I really do not think MAC can succeed without IMA riding shotgun.
This is overlong, and less than halfway done, so I'll use a crude analogy:
Where MAC can create a friendly, socially-calming local police presence,
IMA seems better capable of creating local SWAT and "CSI" support.

Having had the opportunity to look over some data and technical reviews regarding the IMA's Cyanide Detection Test (CDT) methodology I'd like to publicly agree with Horge's comment. I'm also happy to hear that a version of the IMA CDT is still in use by the BFAR labs.

There has been some discussion of MAC's reservations regarding the current IMA CDT. It appears that these reservations are based on some experimental results that were not directly applicable to the IMA CDT SOP. Thus it was not accurate to characterize and discount the IMA CDT based on those results.

It appears that the general consensus of technical experts is that the current IMA CDT methodology is: technically sound; based on well accepted analytical techniques; and well capable of reliably detecting residual cyanide in fish several weeks after exposure. I don't see any reason not to implement the current IMA CDT as a part of the MAC certification process.

The IMA has specific expertise and experience in doing this type of analysis. It appears that the IMA would be one of the best able to rapidly set up shop to do the testing. Thus, it makes sense that MAC should involve the IMA with analytical validation of the certification process.

I sincerely hope that MAC reevaluates the current IMA CDT and involves the IMA in the certification process.

I hope this leads to a broader testing program that encompasses all ornamental fish exported from the Philippines.

Sincerely,
-Lee