
A Pulse Check on Hawaii’s Aquarium Fishing Ban
Spring of 2018 brings news of progress as Draft Environmental Assessments are published for Hawaii’s currently-shuttered marine aquarium fishery.

Hawaii’s Marine Aquarium Fishery Debate Moves Forward With Environmental Assessments
In an effort to lift the current fishing ban, Hawaii’s marine aquarium fishermen and PIJAC have submitted draft environmental assessments, developed with input and data from the state, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and independent scientists.

HSUS and Partners Criticize Draft Environmental Assessments of Hawaii’s Marine Aquarium Fishery
The Humane Society of the United States cries foul, publishing viewpoints from Earthjustice, Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, Center for Biological Diversity and For The Fishes, in response to the release of Draft Environmental Assessments by Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.

PIJAC Update: Teamwork is Helping Hawaii’s Aquarium Trade
It looks like the Hawaii fishing trade may have reason to be cautiously optimistic after a very tough year; PIJAC’s Robert Likins introduces important court-mandated Environmental Assessments and explains how teamwork coming from all sides may be turning the tide in the ongoing battle over Hawaii’s aquarium fishery.

Aquatics Leadership: Time to Unify or See the End of the Age of Aquariums
For the last five years, activist groups have pressed a full-court attack against ornamental fishing professionals, hobbyists, and aquarium advocates. They finally got their way earlier this year…
Sandhi 善迪 says:
Amazing spot. I love this part of knowledge: "Every small, free square inch is quickly occupied by Xeniidae corals. But, they seem to serve a very important function, preparing the substrate, and binding every piece of coral rubble together so sponges and coralline algae can finish the job by cementing everything up. Thus, later, coral larvae can settle on this newly stabilized real estate." Thank you, VincentNew Ocean-Inspired Designs from Walt Smith says:
[…] over 5 years ago, at the tail end of 2017, Fiji’s government unilaterally banned coral exports, leaving WSI with nothing more than fish and invertebrates to send to customers around the globe. […]CORAL New Issue “FREE THE FISHES” Inside Look says:
[…] of Contents for the May/June 2023 issue of CORAL Magazine. You can view this TOC online. “Is keeping a marine aquarium morally right? Is it ethically correct? Is it something we can […]Jon Gordon says:
Please sign this to support common sense rules in Florida. Ask Fish and Wildlife not to use an ill-advised whitelist of animals that can be kept. All you need to do is add your name to the following statement, "A viable option I support would be a list of prohibited species, which would be a much smaller, manageable and enforceable list than one that attempts to encompass all allowed species. " https://petadvocacy.org/advocacy-campaigns?vvsrc=%2FPetitions%2F3902%2FRespondBryce David says:
To whom it may concern, A whitelist approach to regulating which species are legally allowed to be obtained and traded will decimate fish farms and pet stores. This is not a well thought out approach for combating invasive species release into ecosystems. Best Management Practices have already made inroads on preventing the release of foreign invader species. I suggest a review of those practices and amend them if they are deemed to be insufficient. Sincerely, Bryce DavidEdward Moats says:
I urge you to consider the ramifications of losing a 172 million dollar industry in your state. I completely support the black list and agree that invasive species is a big concern. However , I feel that this bill is over reaching and will have a negative impact not only On the industry , but to Florida’s economy.