HR 669 : CONGRESSIONAL HEARING BANNING NONNATIVE SPECIES APRIL 23, 2009 ACTION NEEDED

[Newt]

I emailed Bob Fenner of Wet Web Media.com about this bill. He had not heard of it! Seems like he is very concerned about it.

Since he is a "big gun" in this hobby maybe he can get the word out to the other big names and get something done about this!

 

[Acestro]

what I posted at WW:

My point there was that this problem is largely because we haven't been able to keep our irresponsible fish keepers in line. I think other sites are terrible at not lambasting members for illegal pet ownership. There's plenty of wink-wink or turn-the-other-way things going on.

I have to give Jesse and many others here credit for things like the extension of the posts covering laws in different states. Also, posts of illegal transactions or ideas dont last long here as well.


While it's important to stand up against this bill now... it's also important to:

1. discuss all sides (DONT censor folks that think we 'deserved it' or 'should care more about natives', etc.)

2. be vigilant about keeping bad hobbyists from ruining things

3. point out how little of the invasives are actually from hobbyists, and try to lobby against improperly run fish farms or government agencies (*COUGH*FLORIDA*COUGH*) that do things like introduce invasives intentionally (cough*p-bass*cough). We're a minority as far as impacting things, but these Rio Grande cichlids and apple snails in Louisiana are very likely from hobbyists. Also, even though we're a minority, we will be the ones that suffer if something like this passes

4. educate ourselves and others. Know about ecosystems, know about invasives, know about avenues of prevention and education


I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. It's fine to fight this bill, but we need to be a little more pro-active from now on to keep this a healthy and moral hobby.

 

[Silver City Dave]

Hello All,

We have worked very hard to try and simplify the fight against HR 669, which is the Legislation to Ban Virtually ALL Non-Native Pets.

This means all non-native mammals, birds, reptiles, and tropical fish currently being kept as pets.

Time is of the essence, there is a Congressional Hearing concerning this Legislation on April 23, 2009 which is almost here already!

Please open the link below. Copy it, change it, link it to your own web-site, do whatever it takes…then forward it to as many people as you can.

Remember to contact the appropriate elected officials with your thoughts…do NOT expect everyone else to do this for you.

http://www.scserp.com/SCS_Legislation_Federal_H.R.%20669.htm

Thank You All Very Much

 

[Joshmac8]

HR669 is complete BS! This makes me extremley upset.

 

[ewurm]

what I posted at WW:

My point there was that this problem is largely because we haven't been able to keep our irresponsible fish keepers in line. I think other sites are terrible at not lambasting members for illegal pet ownership. There's plenty of wink-wink or turn-the-other-way things going on.

I have to give Jesse and many others here credit for things like the extension of the posts covering laws in different states. Also, posts of illegal transactions or ideas dont last long here as well.


While it's important to stand up against this bill now... it's also important to:

1. discuss all sides (DONT censor folks that think we 'deserved it' or 'should care more about natives', etc.)

2. be vigilant about keeping bad hobbyists from ruining things

3. point out how little of the invasives are actually from hobbyists, and try to lobby against improperly run fish farms or government agencies (*COUGH*FLORIDA*COUGH*) that do things like introduce invasives intentionally (cough*p-bass*cough). We're a minority as far as impacting things, but these Rio Grande cichlids and apple snails in Louisiana are very likely from hobbyists. Also, even though we're a minority, we will be the ones that suffer if something like this passes

4. educate ourselves and others. Know about ecosystems, know about invasives, know about avenues of prevention and education


I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. It's fine to fight this bill, but we need to be a little more pro-active from now on to keep this a healthy and moral hobby.

Your post was deleted because you quoted a post by a member who has it in for this site. I agree that hobbyists are to blame for the current situation, but this site has always discouraged the release of any aquarium fish, whether native or non-native into local waterways. We also do not allow the sale or transfer of illegal fish on this site. If a member wishes to post a picture of their illegal fish, they are responsible for the consequences. This bill affects all fishkeepers, responsible and otherwise.

 

[dandaninc]

I joined the FaceBook group and yes I will fax my opinions!!! I just got a 55 gallon tank in December and I have 12 African Cichlids that by the sounds of the bill would be really hard to get if it passes!!!

FRIKKEN GOVERNMENT!

Thank you for sending me the private message!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Acestro]

Your post was deleted because you quoted a post by a member who has it in for this site. I agree that hobbyists are to blame for the current situation, but this site has always discouraged the release of any aquarium fish, whether native or non-native into local waterways. We also do not allow the sale or transfer of illegal fish on this site. If a member wishes to post a picture of their illegal fish, they are responsible for the consequences. This bill affects all fishkeepers, responsible and otherwise.

Cool, thank you for the explanation.

 

[Acestro]

This is a 'straw dog', by the way... it wont pass. Even without the petitions.

The point of this should be a 'wakeup call' for more active rather than passive self-regulation.

 

[Aquamojo]

Your post was deleted because you quoted a post by a member who has it in for this site.

I know the never ending battle at hand between the various mega sites.....but one guy having it "in for this site"? That's grounds for deleting something he said?

The discussion aside for a second....that's totally ridiculous.

I know....you hold the "big hammer" and can moderate as you see fit.

Whatever. Have a great day.

 

[Aquamojo]

This is a 'straw dog', by the way... it wont pass. Even without the petitions.

The point of this should be a 'wakeup call' for more active rather than passive self-regulation.

Good point that we keep referring back to the things that are close to our hearts..fish. The bill that they are proposing covers a lot more than fish. I agree that an active roll in self regulating will help...but as long as there is a dollar to be made, the issue remains that we will continue to see Pacu, Red Tail Catfish and a whole host of other fish that have no place in the average aquarium. Note....average.

A lot of people on these various sites have large tanks and can house some of the big guys. But my VERY VERY unmeasured guess would be that the percentage of those folks is minuscule compared to the general aquaria hobbyist.

As i stated in my previous post, I agree that it probably won't go through with all the bells and whistles. But I would almost write it in arterial blood...that things WILL change because of it.

Fish, fowl, fur or scales....it is the hobbyist that drives the commercial market. I'm sure that the professional politicians will have a better handle on how to fix our problem. It worked for prohibition, right?

Oh...wait...